Persib's New Gameplay Defeats Semen Padang

BANDUNG, KOMPAS — Persib Bandung appeared with a new look in the BRI Super League 2025/2026. In addition to fielding a lineup of new players, Persib's Coach Bojan Hodak implemented a new style during the opening match against Semen Padang at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung, on Saturday (9/8/2026).

Persib won the match 2-0, with goals scored by Uilliam Baros and Febri Haryadi.

In the first year of the 2023/2024 competition season, Hodak tends to rely on the advantages of the available players. Arriving after the competition had already started, he exploits the speed of the wing positions filled by Ciro Alves and Beckham Putra.

In the front, David da Silva was allowed to express his creativity freely. As a result, David scored 27 goals, the highest in the league. At the end of the season, Persib emerged as the champion of Liga 1.

In the 2024/2025 competition season, Hodak's gameplay relies on the balance of the midfield. Attacking midfielder Tyrone del Pino and defensive midfielder Dedi Kusnandar become the focal points of the game. At that time, da Silva began to frequently suffer from long-term injuries, and Ciro was affected by age.

As a result, del Pino scored 18 goals, the most for Persib. Persib successfully defended their title.

This time, in the inaugural match of the 2025/2026 Super League, Persib showcased a new playing scheme. Persib released Ciro, da Silva, and del Pino. Fielding seven of their new foreign players, Persib is now fond of playing crosswise between the wings.

The right winger Berguinho often delivers long passes to the opposite side. The left winger Beckham Putra and left back Frans Putros also frequently shift the attack to the opposite side.

That combination occurred repeatedly and successfully confused the opposing players. Before the first half ended, Semen Padang had already received three yellow cards.

Repeatedly executed, the scheme yielded results. A long ball from Beckham was successfully converted into a goal by the sole striker Uilliam Baros in the 40th minute.

In the second half, Semen Padang tried to play a more open game. After initially defending heavily, "Kabau Sirah" became more determined to attack.

Winger Armando Oropa came on to add more firepower. Defensive midfielder Ripal Wahyudi was tasked with balancing the midfield.

However, Semen Padang's decision to launch an attack only made "Maung Bandung" increasingly dangerous. A counterattack in the style of Hodak emerged and was freely demonstrated by Persib in the second half.

In the 90th minute, disaster struck. New winger Saddil Ramdani moved from the left to pass the ball to Febri Haryadi, who was on the right.

With minimal defense, Febri, who was injured for a long time last season, kicked the ball from outside the penalty area and scored his first goal of the season.

Trailing by two goals, Semen Padang players were still eager to attack through Ambrizal Umanailo and Irsyad Maulana.

However, the two new defenders of Persib, Patricio Matricardi and Julio Cesar, were very difficult to penetrate. Until the end of the match, Persib won 2-0.

Despite the win, Bojan said the match wasn't easy. He said the defense was very solid. However, Hodak asked for a more aggressive attack in future matches.

"Baros was extraordinary during training and I am happy he scored a goal this time. Febri is also a good player. He was injured for a long time last season. Febri just needs more playing minutes," said Hodak.

Persib defender Frans Putros was also grateful for the team's performance. With new players, Persib was able to secure the win.

"This time the most important thing is the three points," he said.

Semen Padang coach Eduardo Almeida admitted his team struggled to build attacks. Persib had superior player quality and competitive spirit.

However, he is not disappointed. His protégés did not play poorly. The effort displayed by the players on the field was commendable and serves as valuable capital for the next match.

Semen Padang player Irsyad Maulana stated that he and his teammates played to the best of their abilities in today's match. However, defeat was difficult to avoid.

"Whether losing 1-0 or 2-0, it is the same. We have tried to equalize the score but ended up conceding. We will evaluate the results of this match," he said.