The atmosphere at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) was electric on the evening of February 18, 2026, as Persib Bandung hosted Ratchaburi FC for the decisive second leg of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) round of 16. With kickoff at 19:15 WIB, thousands of passionate fans filled the stands, their hopes pinned on witnessing a historic comeback. After all, Persib entered the match facing a daunting 0-3 aggregate deficit, having suffered a heavy defeat in the first leg at Dragon Solar Park, Thailand, just a week earlier.
The first leg, played on February 11, 2026, was a tough pill to swallow for the Maung Bandung faithful. Ratchaburi FC, powered by a brace from Pedro Tanausu Dominguez Placeres (goals in the 5th and 84th minutes) and a strike from Gabriel Mutombo Kupa in the 53rd, dominated proceedings in front of 5,844 spectators. The result left Persib with a mountain to climb: they needed to win by at least four goals at home to secure direct passage to the quarterfinals. A 3-0 win would only force extra time, as the away goals rule is not applied in this season’s ACL 2 regulations.
Despite the setback, the Persib camp remained optimistic. Head coach Bojan Hodak, speaking at the pre-match press conference on February 17, didn’t shy away from the challenge. “(A 3-0 loss) is a result that is difficult to overturn. But you never know, in football anything can happen,” said Hodak, rallying his squad and supporters. “We will go out and play all out and try our best. I hope we will get a positive result tomorrow.” According to the Croatian tactician, the first-leg defeat was marked by too many errors, but he expressed faith that his side would show significant improvement in front of their home crowd.
That confidence was echoed by Italian defender Federico Barba, who acknowledged the pain of the earlier loss but saw reasons for hope. “As the coach said, it was not an easy result. But as I said after the last game, we remain confident. We actually created many chances,” Barba explained on February 17. “We have many opportunities to score. And when playing at home, honestly, we are very strong.” Barba admitted the 0-3 defeat stung, especially given Persib’s positive play, but he insisted the team was determined to prove their quality in the return leg.
Persib’s optimism wasn’t unfounded. Their home record in the 2025/2026 BRI Super League was nothing short of remarkable, with nine wins from nine matches, 14 goals scored, and just a single goal conceded. The squad’s morale was further boosted by the return of Beckham Putra Nugraha from injury, though the fitness of key midfielder Marc Klok was still under observation. The scheduling gods also smiled on Persib, as their league match against Borneo FC, originally set for February 15, was postponed, affording the team extra rest and preparation time. In contrast, Ratchaburi FC had a tighter schedule, having played a grueling Thai League 1 match against PT Prachuap FC on February 14 that ended in a 1-1 draw. Such details, often overlooked, can make all the difference in high-stakes continental ties.
Ratchaburi FC, for their part, approached the fixture with a mix of confidence and caution. Coach Worrawoot Srimaka recognized the challenge awaiting his side in Bandung. “We know that coming to Bandung will definitely be a tough match because Bandung is very strong when playing at home,” Srimaka told reporters. While Ratchaburi boasted a decent away record in Thai League 1—six wins and three losses from nine outings—their form on the road in ACL 2 was less encouraging. The Thai club had suffered heavy defeats in their most recent away fixtures: 1-3 to Nam Dinh FC, 0-7 to Eastern, and 0-2 to Gamba Osaka. Such results hinted at vulnerabilities Persib hoped to exploit.
As the match began, Persib wasted no time asserting their intent. From the opening whistle, the hosts pressed high and dominated possession, orchestrating play through the midfield and keeping Ratchaburi pinned in their own half. The 16th minute saw Persib earn a corner, though the resulting chance failed to yield a shot on target. Just four minutes later, Thom Haye’s free kick into the box found Uilliam Barros, whose header, unfortunately, missed the mark. Berguinho was a constant menace on the flank, his darting runs forcing Ratchaburi’s defenders into desperate challenges.
Ratchaburi did manage to mount a response, earning corners in the 24th and 28th minutes, but Persib’s defense, marshaled by Barba and keeper Teja Paku Alam, held firm. Thom Haye’s disciplined play in midfield, including two key interceptions, helped stifle any hopes of a counterattack from the visitors. The home side continued to pile on the pressure, with the crowd urging them forward at every opportunity.
The breakthrough finally arrived, sending the GBLA into a frenzy. Andrew Jung found the net, putting Persib ahead 1-0 on the night and igniting hopes of a miraculous turnaround. The goal was a testament to Persib’s relentless pressure and attacking intent. Could this be the spark for a legendary comeback?
With the aggregate now 1-3, Persib still faced an uphill climb, but the momentum was firmly with the hosts. Every tackle, every pass, and every shot was met with thunderous applause as the fans sensed the tide turning. The tactical battle between Hodak and Srimaka was on full display, with both coaches urging their teams to dig deep—one to claw back the deficit, the other to protect a precious lead.
Both teams named strong lineups for the occasion. Persib lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Teja Paku Alam in goal; Kakang Rudianto, Frans Putros, Patricio Matricardi, and Federico Barba at the back; Adam Alis Setyano and Thom Haye anchoring midfield; Luciano Guaycochea, Eliano Reijnders, and Berguinho da Silva supporting Uilliam Barros Pereira up front. Ratchaburi countered with a 4-4-2: Kampol Pathomakkakul in goal; Jesse Curran, Daniel Ting, Gabriel Mutombo, and Sidcley Ferreira Pereira in defense; Jakkaphan Kaewprom, Siwakorn Jakkuprasar, Pedro Tanausú, and Guilherme Ferreira Pinto in midfield; Denílson and Gleyson Oliveira leading the line.
Historically, the rivalry between these clubs is still in its infancy. Their pre-season meeting in July 2025 ended in a 2-2 draw, while Ratchaburi’s emphatic win in the first leg of this tie marked their first competitive victory over Persib. Now, with the second leg underway and Persib showing renewed vigor, the story was far from over.
As the match continued, the question on everyone’s mind was clear: could Persib Bandung complete one of the great comebacks in Asian football? With the score at 1-0 on the night but 1-3 on aggregate, the drama was only just beginning. Fans across Indonesia and Thailand tuned in via RCTI and Vision+ to witness this high-stakes encounter, where every moment could tip the balance.
The night in Bandung was alive with hope, tension, and the unyielding spirit of football. As the clock ticked on, Persib pressed forward, determined to keep their continental dream alive.