Before the life-or-death match, PVF-CAND players admit they are under immense pressure.

Stepping into a play-off for the first time with the urgent need to retain their V-League place, PVF-CAND faces unparalleled stress, a fact frankly admitted by the squad and coaching team.

Ahead of the decisive play-off for a V-League survival ticket, the atmosphere at PVF-CAND is more tense than ever. From players to coaching staff, all acknowledge they are facing enormous pressure in this season's do-or-die battle.

This is the third time PVF-CAND has taken part in a play-off match. However, unlike the previous two occasions when they were fighting for a promotion dream, this time they enter the match with the sole aim of securing their place in Vietnam's top football league.

Goalkeeper Phí Minh Long, who has experienced all three play-offs with the team, cannot hide his anxiety ahead of the upcoming confrontation. The confessions of the 1995-born goalkeeper partly reflect the pressure weighing down on the entire squad. Since June 9, PVF-CAND has been in Hà Tĩnh to prepare for what is considered the most important match of the season.

Midfielder Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, one of the team's key pillars, also admits the players are under huge pressure, even though they constantly try to encourage each other before kick-off: "Compared to previous play-offs, the pressure this time is much greater. This match decides whether we stay in V-League or not, so everyone is a bit worried."

Nevertheless, PVF-CAND still receives high praise from experts. Former Vietnam national team captain Lê Công Vinh believes that experience in V-League will be a major advantage for the "Hiến City team". With the presence of seasoned players like Minh Long, Nguyễn Huy Hùng, Đỗ Văn Thuận, and Nguyễn Vũ Tín, it will help young faces such as Thanh Nhàn, Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, Võ Anh Quân, and Phạm Lý Đức maintain calmness in this high-pressure match.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Mai Tiến Thành made a firm statement ahead of game time. He assesses the chances of both teams as 50-50, but still trusts his players have enough mettle to overcome the challenge.

Statistics and expert opinions may favor PVF-CAND, but in a match that is win or lose, mental fortitude is the decisive factor. After missing out on V-League twice in the past, the "Hiến City team" now faces a much greater challenge: staying in the highest level of Vietnamese football.