Conquered by Persib, "Bajul Ijo" is not yet safe from the brink of relegation

Persebaya Surabaya cannot yet ensure that it is safe from the relegation zone after being beaten by Persib Bandung.

PERSIB BANDUNG

Persib Bandung's attacker, David Da Silva, successfully passed through the defense of Persebaya Surabaya players during the BRI Liga 1 Indonesia match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, West Java, on Saturday (20/4/2024). David scored three goals that led to Persib's victory in this match.

BANDUNG, KOMPAS — Persib Bandung won 3-1 over visiting team Persebaya Surabaya at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Soreang, Bandung Regency, West Java, Saturday (20/4/2024), in the continuation of the BRI Liga 1 competition. With this defeat, Persebaya is still vulnerable to falling into the brink of relegation. .

This time, Persib appeared with full force. The attacking duo of David da Silva and Ciro Alves also started the game. Persebaya countered with their reliance on strikers Paulo Hendrique and Kasim Botan.

The enthusiasm of the bobotoh present at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium was also very high. Although Persib has secured a spot in the top four, the match was watched live by 11,321 bobotoh.

Also read: Duo Ciro-David Keeps Chance to Win "Maung Bandung"

KOMPAS/FABIO MARIA LOPES COSTA

The atmosphere at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency, West Java, after the match between Persib Bandung and Persebaya Surabaya on Saturday (20/4/2024). This match was watched by 11,321 Persib supporters.

In the first half, the match between the two teams was monotonous and boring. There was no creativity that resulted in dangerous opportunities for over 30 minutes.

Until finally in the 43rd minute, through a quick counterattack, Da Silva received a pass from Ciro. His shot broke Persebaya's goal. This result lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Persib increased the intensity of their attacks on Persebaya's defense area. Persib played a combination of attacks from the midfield and two wing midfielders.

PERSIB BANDUNG

Persib Bandung defender Nick Kuipers faced off against Persebaya Surabaya players during a continued match of BRI Liga 1 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, in the Regency of Bandung, West Java, on Saturday (20/4/2024). Persib won 3-1 in this match.

In the 52nd minute, Persebaya's defense was further worn down. One of their players, Andre Oktaviansyah, was given a red card by referee Sance Lawita for fouling Da Silva.

Even though there were only 10 players, the fighting spirit of the team ”Bajul Ijo” did not die out. In the 57th minute, a free kick executed by Persebaya central defender, Dusan Stevanovic, found the goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam.

Not content with a draw, Persib scored again in the 67th minute. A lofted pass released by Beckham Putra Nugraha was successfully headed by Da Silva to the right corner of the goal.

On the 87th minute, Da Silva sealed Persib's goal feast with the third goal thanks to Ciro's second assist. The collaboration of these two players from Brazil has produced a total of 54 out of 63 Persib goals until the 32nd match.

Persib is consistently in second place in the 2023/2024 Liga 1 standings. Persib collected 59 points from 32 matches.

KOMPAS/FABIO MARIA LOPES COSTA

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak gave a statement after the match against the away team Persebaya Surabaya in the BRI Liga 1 competition at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, West Java, on Saturday (20/4/2024). Persib won 3-1 in this match.

Still waiting

With this result, Persebaya's hope of snatching a point in Bandung vanished. Persebaya is currently in 12th place with 39 points. Their fate will be determined by the result of the match between Arema FC and the leaders of Liga 1's standings, Borneo FC, on Sunday (April 21, 2024).

Arema is ranked 16th with 31 points. Arema must win if they want to escape relegation to League 2.

The coach of Persebaya, Paul Munster, said that Persib is strong because they have quality players. He admitted that he had to suddenly change his strategy due to losing several players ahead of the match against the home team.

KOMPAS/FABIO MARIA LOPES COSTA

Persebaya coach Paul Munster gave a press statement after the match between Persebaya Surabaya and host team Persib Bandung in the BRI Liga 1 competition at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, West Java, on Saturday (20/4/2024). Persebaya lost 3-1 in this match.

"Losing one of our players resulted in us having difficulty in reaching our maximum potential in Persib's home stadium. Currently, we will focus on the last two matches," said Paul.

Also read: Persib Bandung, Guardian of the Marwah of "Earth Pasundan"

Meanwhile, Persib Coach Bojan Hodak stated that the players showed good performance in attacking and defending. He appreciated the solid performance from David and Ciro.

"I hope David and Ciro can play consistently until the end of this season. Today, they appeared more relaxed because Persib secured their place in the top four," said Bojan.