Dramatic Win over Madura United, Semen Padang's Chance to Save Themselves from Relegation is Increasingly Open

PADANG, KOMPAS — Semen Padang emerged victorious with a score of 2-1 in a heated match against Madura United at Haji Agus Salim Stadium, Padang City, West Sumatra, on Sunday (4/5/2025). This important victory further opens up opportunities for the Kabau Sirah team to remain in BRI Liga 1 for the upcoming season.

Semen Padang secured victory in the 31st week of Liga 1 through a goal by Muhammad Ridwan in the 90+1 minute. Previously, the home team took the lead with a goal from Cornelius Stewart in the 52nd minute, which was then equalized by Madura United with a goal from Jordy Wehrmaan eight minutes later.

"I am very happy with all the team members for their willingness to fight to win the match. Congratulations to the players and staff for the three points we earned," said Semen Padang FC Head Coach Eduardo Almeida at a press conference after the match on Sunday.

The victory over Madura United is very important for Semen Padang. This is because both teams are struggling to escape or survive from the relegation zone. With patience and fighting spirit, Semen Padang was finally able to secure three points.

This result brings Kabau Sirah up one rank to the 15th position and out of the relegation zone in the temporary standings. Semen Padang has collected 31 points from 8 wins, 7 draws, and 16 losses.

Meanwhile, Madura United is stuck in 13th place in the temporary standings with a total of 33 points. They obtained these points from 9 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses.

So far, there are at least seven teams competing to avoid relegation. In addition to these two teams, there are PSIS Semarang, PSS Sleman, Barito Putera, Persis Solo, and Persik.

Despite dominating possession with 57 percent, the match did not go smoothly for Semen Padang. In addition to the hot weather, the visiting team seemed to be aiming for a draw by playing defensively in the first half.

However, Almeida's team played smartly and patiently to find the moment to score. "Finally, we were able to score," said Almeida.

The opening goal in the 52nd minute originated from Bruno Gomes, who received a loose ball on the right side of the opponent's defense. The Brazilian forward then delivered a cross into the penalty area. Stewart, who was unmarked, nudged the ball into the net.

After taking the lead, Semen Padang's performance did not go well. This situation was exploited by the opponent to launch aggressive attacks. Losing focus, Semen Padang conceded a goal eight minutes later.

Madura United responded with a goal from Wehrmaan. The player from the Netherlands took a shot after receiving the ball from a scramble in the penalty area. The scramble was created from Andi Irfan's shot on the left side of the home team's defense that hit the goalpost.

The draw is clearly a negative result for Semen Padang, which desperately needs maximum points in every match. Almeida took a risk by introducing an additional striker, Muhamad Ridwan, by substituting defender Dodi Alekvan Djin in the 81st minute.

The gamble paid off. Ridwan, who came on as a supersub, managed to score a header at the end of the match. "We took a risk by adding a striker and it paid off," Almeida said.

Madura United's coach, Angel Alfredo Vera, stated that in the first half, his team played neatly, making it difficult for the home team to score. However, in the second half, his team conceded a goal. Semen Padang successfully capitalized on a mistake by the Madura United defender, who failed to clear the ball effectively from the defensive area.

I am very happy with all the team members for their willingness to fight to win the match. Congratulations to the players and staff for the three points we earned.

After conceding a goal, Madura United played more openly to equalize the score. This effort was successful with a goal from Wehrmann. "We were able to level the score again," said Alfredo Vera.

Unfortunately, losing concentration at the end of the match caused Madura to fall behind again. "In matches like this, we cannot lose concentration. As a result, we have to lose," he said.