Semen Padang-Persik Results Could Determine League 1 Relegation Teams

The match between Semen Padang FC and Persik Kediri in the 33rd week of the BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 at Haji Agus Salim Stadium, Padang City, West Sumatra, on Sunday (18/5/2025), is set to be an interesting spectacle this weekend. The outcome of this match will determine the fate of the lower-ranked teams fighting to avoid relegation.

For Semen Padang, which needs three points to avoid relegation, the match against Persik feels like a final. This home match also serves as the best opportunity to achieve that target, as in the final week of the league, they will face Arema FC in Malang.

If Semen Padang wins, the result will not only ensure that the team nicknamed Kabau Sirah remains in Liga 1 for the upcoming season. The victory will also guarantee the relegation of two other bottom teams, namely Barito Putera and PSS Sleman, following PSIS Semarang.

The possibility arose after Barito Putera was defeated by PSM Makassar at the Demang Lehman Stadium, Banjarbaru, with a score of 1-4 in the 33rd week of Liga 1, Saturday (17/5/2025). Meanwhile, on the same day, PSS won against Persija Jakarta with a score of 2-1.

In the current league standings, Semen Padang is in 15th place, the last safe zone (positions 16-18 face relegation), with a total of 32 points from 32 matches. This points tally was achieved through eight victories, eight draws, and 16 losses.

A victory over Persik will allow Semen Padang to accumulate 35 points. If the target of Kabau Sirah is achieved, the point total will be impossible for Barito and PSS to surpass. Even if they win in the final week of the league, the maximum points that Barito and PSS can achieve is only 34 points.

After losing in the 33rd week, Barito Putera's ranking dropped one position to 17th in the temporary standings, with a total of 31 points from seven wins, ten draws, and sixteen losses.

The 16th position was claimed by PSS Sleman after winning against Persija. PSS also accumulated 31 points from ten victories, four draws, and 19 losses. This season, PSS received a penalty of a 3-point deduction due to a match-fixing case in Liga 2.

The key position, 18th place, has been confirmed to belong to PSIS Semarang. PSIS is also certain to be relegated as they have only accumulated 25 points from six wins, seven draws, and 20 losses. Whatever the outcome of PSIS's match in the 34th week of the league, it will not change their position.

Not easy

As previously mentioned, the match against Persik Kediri serves as the best momentum for Semen Padang to secure their position in Liga 1. Kabau Sirah is currently on a positive trend, having earned ten points from their last four matches (three wins and one draw).

In addition, the Semen Padang squad is relatively prepared to face Persik. Only two players will be unavailable, namely defender Tin Martic (accumulation of yellow cards) and defender Marco Baixinho (injury until the end of the season). This match will also be witnessed live by thousands of Kabau Sirah supporters at the stadium.

Another reason is that Persik is in a comfortable position and is assured of safety from relegation. This team from East Java is also not in the competition for an Asian competition ticket. Persik is currently ranked 12th in the standings with a total of 40 points from ten wins, ten draws, and twelve losses.

However, this situation could backfire for the Kabau Sirah team if they are not cautious. The presence of Persik, who is playing without pressure, could pose a threat. The head coach of Semen Padang FC, Eduardo Almeida, has warned about this and stated that the match will not be easy.

"Sometimes this situation can present issues that need to be addressed. They tend to play comfortably, while we are pursuing three points," said Almeida, Saturday (17/5/2025).

Nevertheless, Almeida is optimistic that his team can win the match. He also hopes that supporters will come to provide their support at the stadium, as this encouragement will be very helpful for the players.

"I hope the supporters come to fill the stadium to support the team because I am confident and believe we will do everything possible to secure three points as usual," said the coach from Portugal.

On the other hand, Persik, who are playing without pressure, is determined to steal points at Semen Padang's home ground. The team, nicknamed Macan Putih, will strive and aim to maintain focus throughout the match.

"We know the match will not be easy, especially since Semen Padang will certainly want to seek points here, but we have come here to seek points as well," said the Head Coach of Persik Kediri, Divaldo Alves, on Saturday.

In the first round of Liga 1, on December 21, 2024, Persik Kediri triumphed over Semen Padang with a score of 3-1. This match also provided the host an opportunity to avenge their previous defeat.