Persib Edge Persebaya 1-0 as Thom Haye and Eliano Reijnders Make Winning Debuts
The decisive goal came early in the second half when Uilliam Barros Pereira coolly slotted home a precise cut-back from Berguinho in the 53rd minute, sealing three points for the hosts in front of their roaring supporters.
First Half
Persib head coach Bojan Hodak handed a starting berth to Italian defender Federico Barba, while fellow new arrivals Haye, Reijnders, and Andrew Patrick Jung had to wait for their chance from the bench.
Persebaya started brightly, threatening through Brazilian forward Bruno Moreira, but his thunderous strike sailed wide of Teja Paku Alam’s goal. Persib responded through Frans Dhia Putros, who tested goalkeeper Ernando Ari twice, only to be denied on both occasions.
Despite an open and fast-paced contest, neither side could find the breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.
Second Half
The breakthrough came swiftly after the restart. Berguinho’s dazzling run down the flank created the opening for Uilliam, who clinically fired past Ernando to make it 1-0.
The goal galvanized Persib, and Hodak immediately introduced his trio of marquee signings — Thom Haye, Eliano Reijnders, and Andrew Patrick Jung — in the 61st minute to solidify control in midfield and sharpen the attack.
However, torrential rain in Bandung briefly interrupted the momentum. The referee halted the match in the 72nd minute due to waterlogged patches on the pitch, resuming play only once conditions were deemed safe.
Persebaya threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Persib’s defense stood firm. Late drama unfolded when tempers flared between Luciano Guaycochea and Francisco Rivera, forcing a VAR review that saw both players booked.
In the end, Persib held their nerve to claim a hard-fought victory, extending their positive run and delighting the home faithful.
What’s Next
Persib will now prepare for a tricky away fixture against Arema FC, while Persebaya return home to host Semen Padang.
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