Defeating Persebaya, PSIM is victorious in Surabaya

SURABAYA, KOMPAS - The stunning goal from the wing striker of PSIM Yogyakarta, Ezequiel Vidal, seemed to shake the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya on Friday night (8/8/2025). The "Laskar Mataram" team won away with a score of 1-0 against Persebaya Surabaya in the opening match of the 2025-2026 Super League season.

The Argentine's header came in the 92nd minute of stoppage time. Vidal capitalized on a high cross from substitute full-back Dede Sapari, escaping the offside trap.

The process of this goal began with a free kick from Ze Valente, a former player of Persebaya. Goalkeeper Ernando Eri successfully deflected the ball, while the Persebaya defender cleared the ball to the right side of the defense.

Dede seized the ball and crossed it towards the left post of the "Green Force." Vidal, who was standing next to defender Dime Dimov, suddenly made a run and connected with the cross, scoring a goal with his header.

Persebaya's defenders raised their hands, believing the goal was offside. However, the goal proved to be clean, avenging a loss eight years earlier. Back then, PSIM lost 0-1 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium. The head-to-head record between the two founding teams of PSSI in 1930 is now even, with one win and one draw.

The victory in Surabaya, in a historical context, resembles the attack of the Mataram Sultanate against the Kingdom of Surabaya in the 17th century. At that time, Mataram devastated Surabaya by implementing a strategy to dam the Brantas River and besiege Surabaya to cut off supplies and assistance.

More than four centuries later, in a football competition, PSIM, which carries the nomenclature of Mataram, achieved victory over Persebaya. This victory marks an important milestone for the champion of Liga 2 for the 2024-2025 season, which has finally returned to the highest tier of national football competition.

The results in the opening week of the Super League also reflect the differences experienced by the two debutant coaches. Persebaya coach Eduardo Perez must acknowledge the superiority of PSIM coach Jacobus Van Gastel.

Both teams took to the field with the same formation, namely 4-3-3. Eduardo Perez, or Edu, attempted to maximize the potential of his new foreign players, particularly center-back Risto Mitrevski, midfielder Milos Raickovic, and forward Mihailo Perovic.

In the first half, "Green Force" was more dominant with 54 percent ball possession. Captain Bruno Moreira and his teammates made six shots, two of which were on target.

"Laskar Mataram" appeared to respond more calmly. They lost possession of the ball with 46 percent, making three attempts with only one on target. PSIM tried to break through the defense through counterattacks. The first half ended without any goals.

In the second half, Persebaya and PSIM increased their attacking intensity. Edu and Van Gastel engaged in a tactical battle with substitutions.

Edu responded earlier by substituting midfielder Toni Firmansyah and bringing on Kadek Raditya in the 58th minute. This change was made to apply more pressure on the left side of PSIM's defense.

Van Gastel responded with a refresh in the midfield sector. In the 65th minute, Rahmatsho Rahmatzoda was replaced by Savio Sheva. In the 74th minute, wingback Raka Cahyana sustained an injury and was substituted by Rio Hardiawan.

Until the 75th minute, both teams' play remained stagnant. The home team appeared frustrated due to their lackluster finishing. Edu recognized this and responded with two player substitutions.

In the 76th minute, winger Rizaldi Malik was replaced by Gali Freitas. The spearhead Mihailo Perovic, who had not contributed, was then substituted by Dwi Rizky. The substitution of these two players did indeed momentarily invigorate Persebaya's gameplay. The movements of Gali and Rizky posed a threat to the PSIM goal.

Van Gastel responded by substituting wing backs Reva Adi and Dede Sapari in the 86th minute. Additionally, attacking winger Deri Corfe was replaced by Andy Irfan. This tactic proved effective as six minutes later, Dede contributed to Vidal's goal.

Player line-up:

Persebaya Surabaya (4-3-3)

Ernando Ari; Catur Pamungkas, Risto Mitrevski, Dime Dimov, Dejan Tumbas; Francisco Rivera, Milos Raickovic, Toni Firmansyah (Kadek Raditya); Rizaldi Malik (Gali Freitas), Mihailo Perovic (Dwi Rizky), Bruno Moreira

Coach: Eduardo Perez Moran

PSIM Yogyakarta (4-3-3)

Cahya Supriadi; Raka Cahyana (Rio Hardiawan), Ramos Mingo, Yusaku Yamadera, Reva Adi (Dede Sapari); Ze Valente, Rahmatsho Rahmatzoda (Savio Sheva), Ghulam Fatur; Ezequiel Vidal, Nermin Haljeta, Deri Corfe (Andi Irfan)

Coach: Jacobus Johannes Martinus Paulus Van Gastel