BRI Super League: Francisco Rivera's Goal Thwarts Persib from Taking Home 3 Points at Persebaya's Home Ground

A late goal by Francisco Rivera saved Persebaya Surabaya from defeat against Persib Bandung in matchweek 24 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026. The intense duel at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, on Monday night ended in a 2-2 draw after both teams exchanged goals throughout the match.

Rivera emerged as the savior for the Green Crocodiles with his 83rd-minute goal, dashing the victory that was within grasp for the Bandung Tigers. The additional point keeps Persebaya stuck in fifth place with 39 points, while Persib remains firmly at the top of the standings with 54 points.

A high tempo and fast counter-attacking patterns characterized the first half. Persebaya appeared aggressive from the opening minutes. Just one minute into the game, Riyan Ardiansyah threatened, but his close-range tap-in was saved by Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam. 

Persib responded in the 23rd minute through Sadil Ramdhani. His shot headed towards goal, but Ernando Ari Sutaryadi managed to secure it. 

Both teams played openly, with crucial battles in midfield. The team coached by Bernardo Tavares finally broke the deadlock through VAR drama. 

The referee reviewed the replay and ruled that Federico Barba fouled Bruno Moreira inside the penalty box. Bruno, stepping up as the executioner, calmly deceived Teja and put Persebaya ahead 1-0 in the 41st minute.

Persib briefly equalized through Kakang Rudianto's goal during a goalmouth scramble. However, after VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Rosemberne Da Silva Berguinho in the buildup. The 1-0 scoreline held until halftime.

Entering the second half, Persib appeared more dominant. Their efforts paid off in the 50th minute. A powerful strike by Luciano Guaycochea beat Ernando. The score changed to 1-1 and momentum shifted to the visitors.

The pressure continued until Andrew Jung finally put Persib ahead in the 73rd minute. Persebaya trailed 1-2 to Persib.

Under pressure, Persebaya increased their intensity by relying on counter-attacks. This tactic succeeded in the 83rd minute. Pedro Matos initiated a swift transition before Toni Firmansyah surged into the penalty box and delivered a precise pass to Francisco Rivera.

Without hesitation, the Mexican player unleashed a shot that beat Teja. The goal not only leveled the score at 2-2 but also reignited the spirit of the Green Crocodiles.

Towards the end of the match, Persib almost stole victory if only Sergio Martinez's 89th-minute shot hadn't hit the post. 

Pressure continued into added time, including a chance for Beckham Putra that Ernando still managed to save.

Persebaya also had one final chance through Toni Firmansyah in the 90+6th minute, but his finish was off target. 

Until referee Eko Saputra blew the final whistle, the score remained 2-2 in one of the most dramatic matches of the week.

In matchweek 25, Persebaya will visit Borneo FC Samarinda's headquarters at Segiri Stadium. Meanwhile, Persib prepares to host Persik Kediri at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.