Boris Kopitovic's last-minute goal saves Bali United

GIANYAR, KOMPAS — Bali United was nearly defeated by the visiting team Persik Kediri in the first week of the BRI Super League at Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali, on Sunday (10/8/2025). A last-minute goal scored by striker Boris Kopitović saved the home team in a match that ended with a score of 1-1.

Bali United, who dominated the match, fell behind first through a goal scored by midfielder Telmo Castanheira in the 38th minute. The home team created many dangerous opportunities, but poor finishing and the impressive performance of Persik's goalkeeper, Leonardo Navacchio, dashed the hopes of the home side.

Golden opportunities were seized by Mirza Mustafić and Reyner Barusu in quick succession at the 47th minute. Mustafić's powerful shot was successfully blocked by Navacchio, who then lost possession to Reyner. However, Reyner's shot went narrowly wide of the right side of Navacchio's goal.

Reyner had another opportunity in the 54th minute. Once again, his powerful shot from the left side of the penalty area went wide. Three minutes later, a cross from Kopitović from the right wing into the goalmouth was not capitalized on by Irfan Jaya.

Through a counterattack, Persik successfully created an opportunity from Ezra Walian in the 63rd minute. Ezra's powerful shot from outside the penalty area was still parried by Bali United's goalkeeper, Mike Hauptmeijer.

To sharpen the attack, Bali United coach Johnny Jansen substituted Indonesian U-23 team striker Jens Raven in the 76th minute for Mustafic.

Relentlessly attacking, Castanheira broke through the home team's goal through a set-piece scheme. Castanheira defeated Hauptmeijer with a powerful header, connecting with a corner kick from Ezra Walian.

The home players were left frustrated by Navacchio's brilliance. One of them, substitute player Jens Raven, had his powerful shot from inside the penalty area saved by Navacchio just a few minutes before the match ended.

The host's efforts were successful in the 90+5 minute after the Persik defense failed to clear the ball during a scramble in front of the goal. Kopitović managed to score against the visiting team with a header that directed towards the left side of Navacchio's goal.

Arema FC is determined to end their poor record at home when hosting PSBS Biak in the first week of the BRI Super League on Monday (11/8/2025). With a new roster of players and coaching staff, Singo Edan is certainly intent on securing a perfect score in their inaugural match of the new season.

Arema is now coached by a new trainer, Marcos Santos, who replaces Ze Gomes. Several new players have been brought in to strengthen the squad, such as Yann Motta, Paulinho Mocchelin, and Matheus Balde.

Last season, several stadiums were used as the home ground for Singo Edan. Arema's last victory at home was achieved on March 13, 2025, when they hosted Barito Putera with a score of 4-2, which was held at Soeprijadi Stadium, Blitar.

However, after that, Arema consistently failed to secure full points in the next four home matches. They lost 0-1 to Madura United and were held to a 1-1 draw by Persebaya Surabaya in a match that took place at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium.

When they returned to their actual headquarters, Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Arema's performance did not improve. They suffered a defeat of 0-3 against Persik Kediri and 0-2 against Semen Padang, which marked the continuation of Arema's poor record at Kanjuruhan while the competition was still called Liga 1.

In total, Arema, which ranked 10th last season, experienced six defeats and five draws at home. Singo Edan accumulated a total of 47 points, from 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses.