Persib Bandung Vs Bali United, Super offensive match for the third title

The match between Persib Bandung and Bali United will present intense attacks to maintain their chances of winning League 1.

KOMPAS/FABIO MARIA LOPES COSTA

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak gave a press statement regarding the preparations ahead of the match against Bali United in Bandung, West Java, on Friday (May 17, 2024).

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - A match between Persib Bandung and Bali United in the second semifinal of the BRI Liga 1 Championship Series 2023/2024 will be held on Saturday (18/5/2024) at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, West Java. Both teams will start the game with full-on attacks to secure a spot in the final match.

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak, on Friday (May 17th, 2024), stated that the match against Bali United will not be easy. Persib has never won against the team nicknamed "Serdadu Tridatu" in the last three matches.

Previously, the first meeting of the Championship Series between Bali United and Persib Bandung at the Bali United Training Center field in Gianyar, Bali, on Tuesday (14/5/2024) night, ended in a draw with a score of 1-1.

This event was also the first match with video assistant referee (VAR) technology in the match leading to the fight for the League 1 title.

ANTARA FOTO/FIKRI YUSUF

Bali United player, Eber Bessa (center), vies for the ball with Persib Bandung player, Marc Klok (left), during the first leg of the semifinals of the Championship Series of Liga 1 2023/2024 at Bali United Training Center, Purnama Beach, Gianyar, Bali, Tuesday (5/14/2024).

Bojan stated that all players are in a fit condition and ready to perform in front of Bobotoh, the nickname for Persib supporters. "With full support from Bobotoh, we are motivated to achieve victory and advance to the final phase," he said.

Also read: Bali United's First Match of the "Championship" Series Against Persib Bandung Ends in a Draw

Meanwhile, Persib defender Nick Kuipers admitted that the match against Bali United is always interesting. He hopes that the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium will be filled with supporters to fully support Persib.

"All players are in a mentally and physically ready condition. We ensure that tomorrow's victory belongs to Persib," said Nick, who is originally from the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Bali United Coach Stefano Cugurra stated that his team will play offensively in order to snatch a victory on "Maung Bandung"'s home turf. According to the man commonly called Teco, the semifinal match tomorrow will be very difficult because Persib is a high-quality team.

KOMPAS/FABIO MARIA LOPES COSTA

Bali United Coach Stefano Cugurra gave a press statement regarding preparations for the match against Persib Bandung in Bandung City, West Java, on Friday (May 17, 2024).

”We will not play defense. "All the players are in good condition and we are ready to win," said Teco.

In the final standings of the regular season of Liga 1, Persib ranks second with a total of 62 points. Persib became the most productive team by scoring 65 goals and having the second-best defense by conceding 38 goals in 34 matches.

Also read: VAR, Hope for Indonesian League 1 Without Controversy

Meanwhile, Bali United is in third position with 58 points. Bali United scored 55 goals and conceded 43 goals in 34 matches.

Persib and Bali United won two championship titles in the Indonesian League format which has been held since 1994. Persib won in 1994 and 2014, while Bali United won in 2019 and 2021.