Last night, Arema won another East Java Derby against Madura United, one of the closest foes for Bali United on this season’s title race. Meanwhile, Serdadu Tridatu were held in a goalless match against PSS last Wednesday, so this result means a lot for them.
Playing in front of thousands of Aremania faithful, the hosts took a quick lead in the 4th minute when Makan Konate received an easy pass from Ricky Kamaye and blasted the ball from outside of the Laskar Sapeh Kerrab’s penalty box through the near post of the visitor’s net.
The game got even more intense as Arema doubled their lead six minutes before the game ended through a solo run from Rivaldi Bauwo, who entered the pitch just two minutes before he scored. He cleverly passed Madura’s Brazilian defender, Jaimerson Xavier, before placed the ball into far post of M. Ridho’s net.
Madura United is now stuck in the runner-up position with 44 points from 27 games while Arema got back into the top five, just three points behind the visitors. This news will be the second good news for Bali United to made their steps closer to the throne.
Before Madura’s loss, the third rank Persipura Jayapura were also beaten by Bhayangkara FC last Thursday. Bruno Matos scored to give The Guardian lead in first-half stoppage time before Ian Louis Kabes made an equalizer for Mutiara Hitam in the 75th minutes. However, the game turned again in the last ten minutes with two goals from Adam Alis Setyano and naturalized striker Herman Dzumafo Epandi.
Persipura, who collected 43 points from 25 games will meet Bali United on Monday as they play out a game postponed from Week 17. If Serdadu Tridatu wins this match, it means they would have collected 59 points from 26 matches, making it hard for them to be overtaken by Madura United and Persipura.