How will the promoted teams perform in the opening match of the 2025-2026 BRI Super League?

1. What factors led to PSIM's victory over Persebaya?

Persebaya played more dominantly with 54 percent ball possession in the first half and created six opportunities, but only two were on target. PSIM, the champion of Liga 2 2024-2025, played more defensively with 46 percent ball possession and three shots, although only one was on target.

The intensity of Persebaya's attacks increased in the second half. Player substitutions were made for rejuvenation and to end the frustration. Persebaya replaced players to strengthen their pressure on PSIM's defense. Conversely, PSIM rotated players to bolster their midfield.

PSIM coach Jacobus van Gastel outsmarted Persebaya coach Eduardo Perez's strategy, despite both teams employing a 4-3-3 formation. Van Gastel's substitutions, including the introduction of Dede Sapari, proved to be effective.

In the 86th minute, Van Gastel substituted in Dede, who then provided an assist for Vidal's goal. Meanwhile, the substitutions made by Persebaya, such as Gali Freitas and Dwi Rizky, were unable to change the situation despite briefly threatening PSIM's goal.

This victory is a good start for PSIM. Meanwhile, Persebaya needs to conduct an evaluation in preparation for the upcoming match against Persita.

2. Why did Persijap draw and Bhayangkara lose?

Carlos Franca deserves to be called the savior. The Persijap Jepara striker scored a goal in the 90+9 minute to secure a 1-1 draw against PSM Makassar. That goal spared his team from defeat in the opening match of the 2025-2026 BRI Super League season. Franca's goal provided "Laskar Kalinyamat" with their first point of the season while also building confidence to compete in the most prestigious competition.

The last goal of Persijap in the Indonesian Super League was scored by Rahmat Rivai on August 15, 2014. That goal marked Persijap's final victory in the top-tier competition against Sriwijaya FC with a score of 1-0.

Since participating in Liga 1 2017, which resulted in a championship trophy, Bhayangkara has never lost in the opening match. However, Bhayangkara's defeat to Borneo seems to reopen old wounds.

The only defeat of Bhayangkara in the first match occurred at the home of PSIS Semarang on July 3, 2023, with a score of 1-3. As if a bad omen, Bhayangkara subsequently was relegated to Liga 2 in the 2023-2024 season.

"We played well, only luck was not on our side. It is time for us to evaluate in order to achieve good results in the first home match (against PSM)," said Bhayangkara goalkeeper, Awan Setho Raharjo.

3. What factors led to Persib's victory?

Persib coach Bojan Hodak showcased a new strategy during the inaugural match against Semen Padang. In the first year of the 2023-2024 competition season, Hodak tended to rely on the strengths of the available players. Then, in the 2024-2025 competition season, Hodak's gameplay focused on the balance of the midfield.

In the opening match of the 2025-2026 Super League, Persib showcased a new playing scheme. Persib has released veterans such as Ciro Alves, David Da Silva, and Tyrone del Pino. Persib is now relying on a cross-play strategy by fielding seven new foreign players.

Right-wing players often send long passes to the opposite wing. The same goes for left-wing players. This strategy successfully confused the Semen Padang players. In the second half, Semen Padang dared to play more openly. This choice backfired as it was exploited by Persib for counterattacks.

According to Hodak after the match, the defense was very solid. However, he asked for the offense to be more aggressive in future matches.