Defending Liga 1 Indonesia champions Persib Bandung got their title defense up and running after they had thrashed newly-promoted PSBS Biak 4-1 in the opening match of the 2024/25 Liga 1 season at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Friday.
PSBS, who are making their debut in the top-flight of Indonesian football after winning last season’s Liga 2 Indonesia at a canter, were given a harsh welcome to the Liga 1 by the defending champions themselves, despite boasting a star-studded squad that included some of the best talents from the island of Papua, last season’s Liga 2 top scorer and best player Alexsandro, as well as former JEF United Chiba head coach Juan Esnaider.
Persib immediately went on the attack as soon as the first half began, putting pressure on the visitors to secure an early lead. The Maung Bandung caused trouble for PSBS’ defense with the dynamic movements of new signing Dimas Drajad and danger man David da Silva up front.
Dimas created a chance just three minutes into the match. Six minutes later, it was Gustavo Franca’s turn to threaten, but the effort didn’t result in a goal.
The pressure from Persib finally paid off in the 17th minute. A cross from Dimas Drajad on the right side was easily tapped in by David, which easily went past Mario Londok in the PSBS goal and making it 1-0 for the hosts.
PSBS struggled to create any real threats during the first half. Esnaider’s men were forced to defend for most of the time, but they were fortunate not to concede any more goals before halftime.
Unexpectedly, PSBS managed to equalize 1-1 in the 53rd minute. A cross from the right by Marckho Meraudje was headed in by Alexsandro, with the ball easily beating Kevin Ray Mendoza in the Persib goal.
Alexsandro’s goal came as a result of a mistake by Nick Kuipers, who misjudged the ball’s trajectory, allowing Alexsandro to cleverly score even under the close marking from Dutch defender Kuipers.
Persib regained the lead over PSBS in the 65th minute with a goal from substitute Beckham Putra Nugraha.
Beckham managed to score with a diving header, taking advantage of a cross from Ciro Alves that was aimed at the far post. His header outsmarted PSBS goalkeeper Mario, ensuring that the Maung Bandung would have the advantage again.
Persib extended their lead to 3-1 in the 77th minute. Ciro showcased his individual skill in the penalty area, dribbling past two PSBS players before unleashing a powerful shot that once again forced Mario to retrieve the ball from his net.
PSBS found themselves in deeper trouble in the 85th minute when Persib’s quick counter-attack resulted in David’s second goal. A low cross from Ciro on the right side was easily tapped in from close range, making the score 4-1.
Just two minutes later, PSBS had a chance to reduce the deficit, but Pablo Arganaz’s shot went over the crossbar, failing to find the back of the net.
No more goals were scored after that, ensuring that Persib would kick-off their title defense in the best way possible.