Football Tribe Indonesia
Week 29 of the 2019 Shopee Liga 1 came to a close last night, ending with a big clash between current league leaders Bali United and 2014 champions Persib Bandung.
The game, which took place at the Dipta Stadium, opened with a dramatic scene as thousands of Semeton Dewata, Bali United’s fans, gave a tribute for late Lehly Arief Spasojevic, the wife of striker Ilija Spasojevic, who tragically passed away several days ago. The Montenegrin-born striker also became the league’s top scorer last night.
But the party for Serdadu Tridatu didn’t come easily as they were shocked by Kim Kurniawan’s goal as a result of the scrimmage situation in front of Wawan Hendrawan’s net after the visitors had a chance from a corner kick. But five minutes after the second-half whistle blew, the host finally get an equalizer.
Strangely, it started with a penalty kick that taken by Ilija Spasojevic, parried by goalkeeper I Made Wirawan. However, Persib’s captain Supardi Nasir messed up his attempt to clear the ball and sent it cannoning into his own net. Persib managed to come back make the thousands of Semeton Dewata quiet again after Frets Butuan made them lead 1-2 in 60th minutes.
Luckily for Bali United, they managed to score two goals in the last 15 minutes to come back for a memorable 3-2 win. Stefano Lilipaly set up Ilija, who made no mistake from inside the box. His goal was expectedly followed by an emotional celebration.
Stefano finally got his name on the scoreboard six minutes after Ilija’s goal, helping Serdadu Tridatu now collected 60 points from 29 games. They only need one point to cement their place as champions, as their closest rival, Borneo FC, sit in second place with just 45 points.
Joan Tomas Gives Persija A Sweet Gift
Hours before Bali United’s party at the Dipta Stadium, last season’s champions Persija Jakarta helped further ease Bali’s step after winning against Persipura Jayapura in Gelora Bung Karno.
As the club celebrated their 91st Anniversary last night, Spanish midfielder Joan Tomas gave a sweet gift to the thousands of Jakmania who filled the stadium with his volleyed goal in 75th minutes.
The goal came as a result of a superb connection between Persija’s foreign players. Brazilian defender, Xandao first sent a long cross into the final third, which met the head of Marko Simic, teeing up the ex-Celta Vigo player to score.
With this result, Macan Kemayoran remains 11th with 38 points, eight clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Persipura remain in third position with 44 points.
Week 29 Results
Wednesday, 27th November
Kalteng Putra 1-0 PS TIRA-Persikabo
Bhayangkara FC 1-0 Arema FC
Borneo FC 1-0 Persela Lamongan
Perseru Badak Lampung FC 3-0 Madura United FC
PSIS Semarang 1-0 PSM Makassar
Thursday, 28th November
Persebaya Surabaya 1-1 Semen Padang FC
Persija Jakarta 1-0 Persipura Jayapura
PS Barito Putera 1-0 PS Sleman
Bali United 3-2 Persib Bandung