The electric atmosphere at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) was palpable on Sunday night, January 25, 2026, as Persib Bandung squared off against PSBS Biak in the much-anticipated opening match of the second round of the 2025/2026 Super League. With the stands packed and the home fans roaring, Persib entered the contest eyeing the summit of Indonesian football, trailing league leaders Borneo FC by just two points. The stakes were clear: reclaim the top spot and send a statement to the rest of the league.
Persib Bandung, sitting comfortably in second place with 38 points, came into this match on the back of an impressive four-match unbeaten run—three wins and a draw that had the city buzzing with championship dreams. Under the stewardship of Bojan Hodak, the team had forged a reputation for balance and creativity, particularly in midfield, where the duo of Marc Klok and Thom Haye had become the engine room for Maung Bandung's attacking ambitions.
But the night brought its share of surprises and adversity. Notably absent from Persib's lineup were Saddil Ramdani, still recovering from a training injury, and Eliano Reijnders, sidelined by a yellow card suspension. In their stead, Hodak turned to Berguinho and Beckham Putra to patrol the wings, flanking Uilliam Barros at the tip of the attack. The starting eleven also featured Teja Paku Alam between the sticks, with a defensive line of Kakang Rudianto, Patricio Matricardi, Julio Cesar, Alfeandra Dewangga, and Frans Putros. Klok captained the side, joined in midfield by Thom Haye, while Berguinho, Barros, and Beckham Putra led the charge up front.
PSBS Biak, meanwhile, arrived in Bandung with a point to prove. The "Badai Pasifik"—as the team is affectionately known—sat in 15th place on the table but carried fresh momentum after a rousing 4-1 victory over Bhayangkara FC before the competition break. Caretaker coach Kahudi Wahyu Widodo had instilled a newfound belief, and his side was determined to snatch at least a point to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Their predicted starting lineup featured Kadu in goal, a back line of George Brown, Nurhidayat, Sandro Embolo, and Moses Madjar, with Heri Susanto, Pablo, and Eduardo Barbosa in midfield, and a forward trio of Lucas Morais, Ruyery Blanco, and Mohcine Hassan.
The match kicked off promptly at 19:00 WIB, and from the first whistle, both teams showed their intent. Persib, buoyed by their home crowd, seized the initiative, seeking to dictate play through the midfield maestro Marc Klok. But PSBS Biak’s disciplined defense proved a tough nut to crack. The visiting side stayed compact, frustrating Persib’s efforts to carve out clear chances.
The first half, however, was not without drama. In a shocking turn for the hosts, captain Marc Anthony Klok was forced off the pitch in the 17th minute due to fitness concerns. Adam Alis was summoned from the bench, tasked with steadying the midfield and maintaining the team’s rhythm. The sudden change momentarily disrupted Persib’s flow, as they worked to adjust their passing patterns and regain control.
Physicality became a defining feature of the opening period. The referee was kept busy, brandishing three yellow cards before the halftime whistle. Luquinhas of PSBS Biak was the first to go into the book in the 27th minute, followed by his teammate Heri Susanto at the 40-minute mark for a hard challenge. Persib’s Beckham Putra Nugraha also found his name in the referee’s notebook during first-half stoppage time.
Despite Persib’s best efforts—often orchestrated by the creative Thom Haye and the tireless runs of Beckham Putra and Berguinho—the PSBS defense held firm. The visitors, emboldened by their recent attacking exploits, looked for opportunities on the counter, with Lucas Morais always a threat. But clear-cut chances were at a premium, and both keepers had little to do as the first half ended goalless.
"We knew it would be tough," coach Bojan Hodak had said before the match, emphasizing the importance of focus and patience. His words rang true as the teams trudged off at halftime with the score locked at 0-0. The home side’s inability to break through underscored just how much they missed the creative spark of Saddil Ramdani and the versatility of Eliano Reijnders.
For PSBS Biak, the opening forty-five minutes were a testament to their resilience and organization. Caretaker coach Kahudi Wahyu Widodo had set his team up to absorb pressure and spring forward when the opportunity arose. Their recent 4-1 win had clearly injected confidence, and the players seemed determined to prove they belonged in the top flight.
As the second half loomed, the question on everyone’s lips was whether Persib could find the breakthrough. Would the home crowd’s energy carry them over the line? Or would PSBS Biak’s defensive doggedness and counter-attacking threat steal the headlines?
Looking back, Persib’s midfield depth and attacking options have been a hallmark of their campaign. The partnership of Thom Haye and Marc Klok—when both are fit—has given Maung Bandung a level of control few teams can match. Haye’s vision and passing range, combined with Klok’s leadership, have made Persib’s midfield one of the most creative in the league, as noted by several analysts. The attacking trio, with Andrew Jung and Berguinho providing width and Uilliam Barros as the focal point, has troubled defenses all season, especially at home.
Yet, PSBS Biak’s story is one of grit and determination. Despite their lowly league position, they have shown they can mix it with the best. Their recent upturn in form under Kahudi Wahyu Widodo, coupled with Lucas Morais’s pace and finishing, means they are never out of a contest. The team’s ability to execute swift counter-attacks was on display against Bhayangkara FC, and they threatened to repeat that formula in Bandung.
With the match still ongoing and the score delicately poised, both teams know what’s at stake. For Persib, three points would keep the pressure on Borneo FC and fuel their title ambitions. For PSBS Biak, even a draw would be a valuable result in their fight for survival.
As the night unfolds at GBLA, fans are left on the edge of their seats, waiting to see which team will seize the moment. One thing’s for sure—this clash is far from over, and the drama is only just beginning.