Persib's Champion Mentality Isn't as Strong as Last Season, as Two Penalties Failed to Become Goals

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - The competitive mentality of Persib Bandung is not as strong as last season. In the third week of the BRI Super League 2025/2026, Persib once again failed to secure a victory against a promoted team. In that match, two penalties awarded to Persib even failed to result in goals.

In the match against PSIM Yogyakarta at Sultan Agung Stadium in Bantul, Sunday (24/8/2025), Persib played to a 1-1 draw. A victory that seemed within reach slipped away after Persib failed to capitalize on two penalty opportunities. The second penalty occurred at the end of the match.

After losing to Persijap Jepara in the previous match, Persib changed their starting lineup. Three key players, Beckham Putra, William Marcilio, and Berguinho, were not played at the beginning of the match.

In place of that, Febri Haryadi, Saddil Ramdani, and Adam Alis took their turn to showcase their skills. Luciano Guaycochea, who usually plays in the midfield, was positioned right behind the main striker.

This strategy did not run smoothly at the beginning of the first half. PSIM Yogyakarta played similarly to Persijap. Tight marking was applied to each opposing player.

In the midfield, the defensive midfielders of "Laskar Mataram," Rakhmatso Rakhmatzoda and Ghulam Fatkhur, formed a strong barrier. The defensive duo of Yusaku Yamadera and Ramon Mingo also rendered Persib's striker Uilliam Baros powerless.

The stagnant performance of Persib was exploited by the attacking line of PSIM. Led by Ze Valente and Ezequiel Vidal, opportunities arose. Fortunately, the spearhead Nermin Haljeta was not skillful enough to convert them into goals.

However, midway through the first half, the wind began to change. Persib no longer focuses on fast attacks on the wings.

When the performance of captain Marc Klok did not develop significantly, Adam Alis played a vital role in boosting the confidence of Persib players to execute short passes from foot to foot.

This successfully breached the tight defense of PSIM. Opportunities then arose from Frans Putros and Saddil Ramdani. However, there were still no goals during the first half.

In the second half, Persib immediately substituted a player. Saddil, who had already received one yellow card, was replaced by Marcilio. However, the presence of the former Arema FC player did not enable Persib to develop their game.

On the other hand, PSIM, which defeated the strong team Persebaya Surabaya in the opening match, is increasingly motivated. The through ball for Haljeta is being delivered more frequently.

This resulted in a penalty in the 63rd minute. Defender Julio Cesar was accused of bringing down Haljeta inside the penalty area. Ze Valente, designated as the penalty taker, successfully carried out his duty.

Persib actually had an advantage when the referee pointed to the spot in the 70th minute. Defender Reva Adi was deemed to have handled the ball.

However, Baros was too nervous to take the penalty, and his shot sailed high over the crossbar.

Failing to capitalize on the penalty, Persib continued to seek a goal. Eventually, the opportunity arose. A cross from substitute player Ramon Souza was converted into a goal by a header from defender Patricio Matricardi in the 96th minute.

Thirsty for victory, Persib stepped up their attack again, causing panic in PSIM's back line.

Yusaku, who played well throughout the match, made a mistake just before the end of the game. This triggered a foul committed by Reva Adi on Frans Putros inside the penalty area.

However, Persib's mentality wasn't as good as last season. The penalty awarded again failed to result in a goal.

This time, Klok, the designated executioner, failed to fulfill his role. His shot was blocked by PSIM goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi.

Persib coach Bojan Hodak was at a loss for words as his team failed to capitalize on two penalties in a single match. Hodak stated that this highlights the importance of improvements in the front line for upcoming matches.

"Baros is the best during penalty practice. Moreover, he does not easily succumb to pressure during penalties towards the end of the match. We need improvement," he said.

However, he still appreciated when his team was able to bounce back after being one goal down. This was somewhat similar to what Persib did last season.

"It's just that the final result is still not ideal," said Hodak.

The sole goal scorer for Persib, Patricio Matricardi, stated that being able to bounce back after falling behind in this match could serve as a foundation for his team in the next game. However, he emphasized the need for hard work in order to achieve the best results in the future.