Persita Tangerang managed to claim all three points in Sunday’s Liga 1 Indonesia action, edging out local rivals Dewa United 1-0 at the Indomilk Arena. Ezequiel Vidal was the difference-maker in the first-ever Tangerang Raya Derby in Liga 1 history, scoring the winner as Persita bounced back admirably from their Matchweek 2 defeat away at Persebaya Surabaya the previous week.
Sunday’s derby was part of the four Matchweek 3 games being played out on the day, following Friday’s two games that both ended in a draw – PSM Makassar drawing 1-1 with Persija Jakarta while PSS Sleman managing to force Arema FC to a goalless stalemate – as well as Saturday’s action that saw Madura United maintain their stranglehold of the league summit with a 1-0 win over Persik Kediri and PSIS Semarang edging out PS Barito Putera 2-1.
Having lost 2-0 away at Persebaya last time out, Persita were determined to reap all three points against South Tangerang counterparts Dewa United, who were well-beaten 3-1 by Persikabo 1973 last week.
The Indomilk Arena was packed with both La Viola – Persita’s supporters – and Anak Dewa – Dewa United’s supporters – as the two local rivals locked horns. Dewa United’s Lucas Ramos managed to carve out an early chance in the 8th minute with a powerful shot, however the ball flew over the Persita goal, before Muhammad Natshir in the Dewa United goal managed to deny Persita’s Wildan Ramdhani in the 22nd minute.
Despite their relentless assault on the Persita defense, Dewa United were unable to find a way past the Pendekar Cisadane, and after Karim Rossi’s 38th minute attempt went off-target, the Tangsel Warriors were forced to conclude the first half without a goal to their name.
Dewa United resumed hostilities once the second half started and kept on their pressure on the Persita defense. However, as they were too busy attacking their opponents, Dewa United’s own defenses were left open for Vidal to unleash a powerful drive in the 53rd minute that left Natshir utterly beaten. 1-0 for Persita.
The two rivals then proceeded to exchange attack after attack, Persita attempting to put the game into bed with a second goal while Dewa United were chasing for an equalizer. Elisa Basna almost made it 2-0 Persita with his attempt in the 72nd minute that was thwarted by Natshir, before five minutes afterwards Dhika Bayangkara in the Persita goal managed to palm away a Suhandi effort.
No further goals were scored in the reminder of the match, which allowed Persita to reap all three points from the first Tangerang Raya Derby of the season.
Sunday’s other matches saw a spectacular bicycle kick from Matheus Pato capping off a stunning 4-1 win for Borneo Samarinda over Persib Bandung, while Wahyu Subo Seto’s second half goal was enough for Bhayangkara FC to beat Persebaya 1-0. Meanwhile at the Pakansari Stadium, Persikabo 1973 maintained their perfect start to the league season with a straightforward 2-0 win over rock-bottom Persis Solo.