The "Comeback" King and Gets Used to Watching Persib Bandung Matches Until the End

The phrase "Get Used to Watching Persib Bandung Until the End" is back on social media. It refers to the comeback or revival of Persib Bandung when hosted by Persija Jakarta in the continuation of Liga 1 2024/2025 at Chandrabagha Stadium, Bekasi, West Java.

The scoreboard still showed 2-0 when the match between the two teams entered the 52nd minute. Persija was ahead of their guest Persib.

Previously, Persija took the lead through Gustavo Almeida's header in the 33rd minute. Firzha Andika's powerful shot in the 39th minute further propelled the "Macan Kemayoran" forward. The first half ended with Persija in the lead.

Entering the second half, Persib still struggled to play their rhythm. The short passing game encountered a tight defense of five opposing players. However, that moment came briefly by accident.

In the 52nd minute, while attempting to receive a free kick, the tall Persib defender Nick Kuipers slipped. However, lagging behind, he was instead free to receive the rebound.

The opportunity was not wasted by the Dutch player. A rocket kick was released and failed to be saved by Persija's goalkeeper, Andritani Ardhyaksa.

The goal made Persija shocked. Not slackening their attack, they attacked more fiercely.

However, it backfired. Through a counter-attack scheme, “Maung Bandung” actually equalized in the 70th minute.

Forward David da Silva, who entered in the second half, once again became a nightmare for Persija. Receiving a pass from Beckham Putra, his chip shot deceived both defender Ondrej Kudela and goalkeeper Andritany simultaneously.

Until the final whistle, the score remained unchanged, 2-2. Persija is still undefeated at home. Persib has also never been defeated on the opponent's ground.

Bobotoh or Persib fans are grateful for this result. Their favorite team was able to steal a point even though they played in front of 30,000 opposing supporters. Even more special, Persib's spirit did not wane in chasing goals until the match ended.

Maman Abdulrahman (26), a Persib supporter in Bandung said, even though they didn't win, the moment of coming back from almost losing was very encouraging. Moreover, it was achieved during an away match against Persija, one of the main competitors.

Sodikin (31), a Persib supporter in Tasikmalaya, also did not mind that his team failed to win. Seeing his team not lose and still at the top was something he was very grateful for.

"Anyone who watches Persib should get used to watching until the end. It's not easy to bring down this team. Goals in the final minutes don't happen once or twice," he said cheerfully.

Persib captain Marc Klok was also delighted. He said, this game was extraordinary.

After falling behind by two goals, they came back to equalize. This result is a good capital for facing the remaining 11 matches of this season.

"This is not the first time we have been able to rise in a match, but Persib's fighting spirit this season is extraordinary," said Klok.

This season, Persib is indeed nicknamed the comeback king. That is also what makes Persib at the top of the standings. The team achieved 14 wins, only felt 1 defeat, although forced to swallow 11 draws.

One example was when hosted by Bali United at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, (7/1/2025). Trailing by one goal, Persib equalized through Gustavo Franca's header in the 93rd minute.

Four days later, it was PSBS Biak's turn to fail to win at home, Lucas Enembe Main Stadium, Jayapura, on (11/1/2025). Trailing from Abel Arganaraz's goal and playing with 10 players, Persib equalized in the 85th minute through Tyronne del Pino.

In fact, when playing against PSS Sleman at Manahan Stadium Solo, Persib won after being one goal behind. Two goals from David and Silva and Del Pino made Persib win 1-2.

Not only in local competitions, Persib also rose several times in regional matches of the AFC Cup. When facing Thai Port at Leo Stadium, Thailand, (28/11), Ciro Alves' goal in the 17th minute and da Silva in the 90+5 minute gave a draw.

Previously it was even more extraordinary. When playing against Lion City Sailors at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore, Persib who was two goals behind was able to win with a final score of 2-3. Persib's goals were scored by da Silva in the 82nd minute, Mateo Kocjian (90+3), and del Pino (90+5).

At that time, the motivation given by Coach Bojan Hodak went viral on social media. With an explosive style, he was disappointed and the players had to improve the situation in the second half.

The result was not just an equalizer but a win. Bojan, who had been fuming in the dressing room, then screamed happily on the sidelines when the whistle ended.

However, the bald-headed coach was not recorded exploding at the players this time. After the match, he actually commented on the leadership of referee Muhammad Tri Santoso.

Hodak said, the match between Persib and Persija should have been led by the best referee. He gave an example of the first round in Bandung, the referee who led was the best in Southeast Asia.

The leadership of field referee Tri Santoso and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Aprisman Aranda has indeed been widely discussed. One of them was when physical contact involving Marko Simic and Beckham Putra Nugraha escaped VAR's monitoring.

However, whatever the result, Hodak said, he really appreciates his team's ability when drawing against Persija. He was amazed by the players' fighting spirit.

"This is not the first time for us. This team won the championship last year, this team also came back from 2-0 down, which means we have players with character," Hodak said.

Persija captain Rizky Ridho ensured the result against Persib will be a valuable lesson. High balls and loose balls will be the team's evaluation.

"I apologize to the Jakmania, Persija supporters, who have come, have supported us loyally. When we win, when we lose they are always loyal behind us. We thank you," said Ridho.

Persija coach Carlos Pena said his team played well in the first half. However, in the second half several opportunities could not be utilized and the team failed to maintain the lead.

"We have to improve ourselves again and play more maturely," he said.