Persib Bandung sealed their place in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two knockouts after edging True Bangkok United 1-0 in their final Group G fixture at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on December 10.
Ramon Tanque’s decisive finish ensured the Indonesian champions ended the group stage on 13 points, while Bangkok United, who finished three points behind, advanced as runners-up following a contest highlighted by a series of outstanding saves from visiting goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai.
The match burst into life just three minutes after kickoff when Persib were awarded a penalty, with Bangkok United defender Philipe Maia adjudged to have brought down Uilliam Barros inside the area. However, Patiwat read the situation perfectly, diving to his right to deflect the Brazilian’s softly struck spot-kick onto the post.
Persib refused to be discouraged and continued to apply sustained pressure. Federico Barba and Tanque both threatened with headers from close range, while Thom Haye saw his curling effort from the edge of the box crash against the right post before skidding across the goalmouth. The Indonesian international tested his luck again moments later, only for Patiwat to acrobatically tip his ferocious 35-yard strike over the bar.
The hosts kept Bangkok United pinned deep, with Patiwat once more to the fore as he blocked back-to-back attempts from Tanque and Luciano Guaycochea inside the penalty area in the 17th minute, before later denying Tanque again with a reflex save from point-blank range.
Despite creating a host of chances — including two speculative efforts from Guaycochea that sailed over from distance — Persib’s dominance went unrewarded until the first minute of stoppage time. Berguinho delivered a teasing cross and Tanque stooped low to guide his header beyond the stranded Patiwat to finally break the deadlock.
Bangkok United emerged with renewed intent after the break, and Suphan Thongsong along with Maia forced Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam into action for the first time just past the hour mark.
Persib, however, remained a constant threat going forward. Guaycochea dragged a shot narrowly wide of the right post, substitute Andrew Jung headed over, and Patiwat was again kept busy, producing a flurry of saves to deny Beckham Putra, Saddil Ramdani and Julio Cesar within a five-minute spell.
The visitors’ final chance to draw level fell to Everton, whose glancing header sailed over Teja but struck the crossbar, as Persib held on to secure top spot in Group G.