Persebaya vs PSIM, Old Opponents Meet Again

The opening week of the Super League features a matchup between two of the seven founding teams of PSSI. Persebaya Surabaya will host their old rivals, who have just been promoted, PSIM Yogyakarta, at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Friday (8/8/2025) at 19:00 WIB.

Although they are both founding teams of PSSI in 1930, Persebaya and PSIM have only met twice in the modern competition era. As a result, the Green Force has won once and drawn once against Laskar Mataram. The last official meeting occurred in August 2017, or about eight years ago.

However, the two teams previously met in a friendly match in 2022 at Gelora Bung Tomo. At that time, Persebaya won 1-0 against PSIM. The most recent friendly result cannot serve as a benchmark to assess the two teams that have undergone significant changes.

Persebaya is currently managed by coach Eduardo Perez. In addition, there is assistant coach Shin Sang-gyu. Before joining the Bumi Pahlawan club, both were involved in the development of the Indonesian national team during the Shin Tae-yong era.

Perez from Spain rejuvenated Persebaya following the departure of Paul Munster from Northern Ireland. Under Munster's leadership, the Green Force concluded the 2024/2025 season in fourth place with 15 wins, 11 draws, and 8 losses. Persebaya finished behind champions Persib Bandung, second-placed Dewa United, and third-placed Malut United.

The fourth position is unsatisfactory for the management. Since returning to the top tier in 2017, Persebaya has struggled to fulfill its championship ambitions. Perez is expected to bring vital changes that may bring Persebaya closer to the trophy since they last held the title in 2004.

The Perez rejuvenation project includes the acquisition of five foreign players. They are Leo Lelis, Gali Freitas, Mihailo Perovic, Milos Raickovic, and Risto Mitrevski.

Lelis is one of three players who have previously represented Green Force. The two players returning are Rachmat Irianto and Koko Ari. According to the information received, Lelis and Rachmat have been training with the main team, while Koko is still in recovery from an injury.

The rejuvenation at Persebaya also involves two players developed by the internal club. They are Ichsas Baihaqi and Sadida Nugraha. Persebaya is known for its productivity in producing quality developed players. However, the decision to field the best squad lies in the hands of Perez.

Before starting the competition, Persebaya conducted various trials. In the last three trial matches, Persebaya won against Western Australia and PSS Sleman, and drew with PSS Sleman.

"We continue to refine our playing style and hope to achieve positive results," said Perez. The match against PSIM will be intense, and Persebaya must once again display their tenacious style and, of course, remain focused.

Revitalization is also being carried out by PSIM, which has finally returned to the highest tier. Erwan Hendarwanto, who successfully led PSIM to become the champion of Liga 2 last season, has been retained as the assistant coach. The management appointed Jean-Paul Van Gastel from the Netherlands as the "tumenggung," or head coach of Laskar Mataram.

Van Gastel, the former coach of NAC Breda, is attempting to change the playing style of PSIM. Understandably, this team has been trapped in Liga 2 for a long time. The atmosphere of the Super League (formerly Liga 1) demands consistency and stability. The physical, technical, and mental aspects of the team throughout the season will reflect the results in the end. PSIM certainly does not want to be promoted to the Super League only for a brief period.

However, Vas Gastel realizes that PSIM's return to the highest tier is not easy. The preparations reflect this. Out of six friendly matches, PSIM suffered four defeats, namely against Bali United, Persik Kediri, Barito Putera, and their arch-rival Persis Solo. Two friendly victories were achieved against Madura United and PSIS Semarang.

Van Gastel has brought 21 players to Surabaya. There are five players who were left behind, namely Riyatno Abiyoso, Kasim Botan, Muhammad Iqbal, Andy Setyo, and Khairul Fikri. Kasim Botan has previously played for Persebaya.

According to Van Gastel, although the trial matches did not meet expectations, PSIM's preparations before facing Persebaya were optimal.

"I understand that the match against Persebaya will be difficult," said Van Gastel, who will make his debut as a coach in the Super League. Moreover, the opening match will be an away game, which brings significant pressure. However, PSIM is urged not to feel burdened but to play freely and joyfully, even when facing "pressure" from tens of thousands of predominantly Bonek supporters.

Van Gastel reminded his team, including Rafinha and his colleagues, to enjoy the atmosphere of Gelora Bung Tomo. The presence of the passionate and noisy Bonek should be seen as a momentum to boost adrenaline and spirit. "The home team is also facing pressure that should be utilized," he said.

The following is the estimated lineup for Persebaya (4-2-3-1): Ernando Ari; Catur Pamungkas, Dime Dimov, Risto Mitrevski, Dejan Tumbas; Milos Raickovic, Ichas Baihaqi; Malik Risaldi, Francisco Rivera, Bruno Moreira; Mihailo Perovic. The team is coached by Eduardo Perez.

The PSIM team (4-3-3) consists of Harlan Suardi; Reva Adi Utama, Yusaku Yamadera, Franco Ramos, Raka Cahyana; Rendra Teddy, Ze Valente, Savio Sheva; Ezequiel Vidal, Rafinha, Nermin Heljeta. They are under the guidance of coach Jean-Paul Van Gastel.