Japanese Players Lead Persis Solo to Defeat Madura United

PAMEKASAN, KOMPAS — Two goals from Japanese players helped Persis Solo secure an away victory of 2-1 (1-0) against Madura United in the opening week of the BRI Super League on Saturday (9/8/2025) night, at the Gelora Madura Ratu Pamelingan Stadium, Pamekasan, East Java.

This victory further establishes Persis's dominance over Madura United in seven encounters since 2022 when the competition was named Liga 1. Persis has won 5 matches, while Madura United has won 2 matches. This victory propels "Laskar Sambernyawa" to the 3rd position in the temporary standings, while "Sape Kerrab" falls to the 14th position.

The first goal for Persis was scored by attacking midfielder and captain Sho Yamamoto in the 32nd minute. The goal, which came from a header, utilized a cross from striker Kodai Tanaka from the left side of the Madura United defense.

Peter De Roo's team doubled their lead in the 59th minute through a solo effort from Tanaka. The striker escaped the Madura United defense's offside trap. Tanaka sprinted from midfield to receive a pass from just outside the left side of the home team's penalty area.

He slightly dribbled the ball and shot into the narrow corner, causing goalkeeper Miswar Saputra to retrieve the ball from inside the net. The goal was validated by referee Nendi Rohaendi after a check through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

A VAR check was necessary after the linesman had flagged Tanaka for offside. However, after a VAR check, Tanaka was declared onside. The visitors' second goal put immense pressure on Alfredo Vera's team.

Madura United finally responded with a goal in the 70th minute by midfielder Kerim Palic. The goal came from a free kick taken by winger and captain Lulinha from the right side outside the Persis penalty area. The shot curved into the center of the penalty box and was well received with a right-footed touch from Palic.

This goal was initially protested by Persis players, who believed Palic was offside. After a VAR check, the referee allowed the goal. The hosts then increased their attacking intensity and attempted to close the gap to a one-goal deficit.

The opportunity to equalize the score arose in the 75th minute. A cross from Palic was met by a header from attacking midfielder Fransiskus Alesandro, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Muhammad Riyandi.

In the 78th minute, Yamamoto was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. His unsympathetic behavior after being treated for lying on the field was responded to with a second yellow card. This situation benefited Madura United.

Madura United became increasingly eager to attack. At least five accurate shots were directed at the goal of Persis in the remaining time of the match. However, Riyandi performed well, thwarting all of them. The additional 9 minutes were not utilized by the home team. Madura United had to acknowledge the superiority of Persis.

In the first half, the hosts trailed with 46 percent possession, four shots, only one on target. Three corner kicks failed to result in a goal. Persis, on the other hand, had 54 percent possession, three shots—two of which were on target—and one goal from open play.

A drastic change occurred in the second half, especially after the second goal by Persis. Overall, Madura United controlled the ball 52 percent compared to Persis's 48 percent. The home team launched a total of 10 shots, five of which were on target. Persis made 6 shots, four of which were on target.

Madura United received 6 corner kicks, compared to Persis's 3 corner kicks. Madura United made 307 successful passes with an accuracy of 60 percent. Persis made 265 successful passes with an accuracy of 57 percent. However, this statistical advantage did not change the reality. Madura United lost at home.

LINE-UP:

Madura United (3-4-3): Miswar Saputra; Ahmad Rusadi, Pedro Monteiro, Taufik Hidayat; Fransiskus Alesandro, Jordy Wehrmann, Kerim Palic, Iran Junior; Balotelli, Valeriy Gryshyn, Lulinha (C).

Coach: Angel Alfredo Vera

Persis Solo (4-3-3): Muhammad Riyandi; Giovani Numberi, Cleylton, Xandro Schenk, Jordy Tutuarima, Sho Yamamoto (C), Fuad Sule, Sidik Saimima; Ikhwan Tanamal, Kodai Tanaka, Adriano Castanheira.

Coach: Peter De Roo