Rising from Behind, Persib Avoids Defeat, Eliano: We Are Still on Track

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 | 10:16

Author: Respaty Gilang

Eliano Reijnders.
Source: AntaraNews

Summary

1. Persib Bandung fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Dewa United.

2. The result narrows Persib’s point gap with league rivals Borneo FC and Persija Jakarta, intensifying the title race.

3. Head coach Eliano Reijnders maintains that Persib remains on track for the championship and is focused on upcoming matches.

Persib Bandung had to settle for sharing points after a 2-2 draw against Dewa United Banten FC in the continuation of matchweek 28 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 at Banten International Stadium, Monday, April 20, 2026.

This result meant Persib failed to secure full points, despite initially trailing by two goals. Dewa United took the lead through Alex Martins in the 24th minute, before Ricky Kambuaya doubled the score in the 61st minute.

However, The Bandung Maung showed strong character by rallying in the remaining time. A Thom Haye penalty in the 77th minute reduced the deficit, before Andrew Jung's header in the 86th minute ensured Persib avoided defeat.

Persib vs Dewa United without spectators, Beckham Putra: Good, no pressure.

Bojan Hodak Reveals Two Fatal Mistakes by Persib When They Failed to Win Against Dewa United

Dewa United defeats Borneo, Persib consolidates top position.

Persib Bandung player, Eliano Reijnders, asserted that the draw did not change the team's ambitions in the hunt for the championship title this season.

"We keep fighting and trying to come back chasing the deficit in the match. The good thing is, we are still on track and will refocus for the upcoming match," said Eliano, quoted from Persib's official website, Tuesday.

The additional one point puts pressure on Persib's position at the top of the Standings. Borneo FC is now only two points behind in second place, while Persija Jakarta is in third place with a seven-point gap.

Currently, Persib has collected 65 points, followed by Borneo FC with 63 points, and Persija Jakarta with 58 points.

Despite the increasingly tight competition, Eliano remains optimistic that his team still holds control in the title chase. Persib also has the advantage of playing their next match at home.

In their next match, Persib is scheduled to host Arema FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung, on Friday night, April 24, 2026. Persib's home record this season has been impressive, winning all 14 home matches.

In evaluating the match, Eliano also agreed with coach Bojan Hodak's statement regarding the team's subpar performance at the start of the match.

"A thousand percent agree with what the coach (Bojan Hodak) said. We started the match not too well. But after that, we managed to develop our game until we finally drew two-all," said the brother of Manchester City player Tijjani Reijnders.

With the remaining matches becoming increasingly crucial, consistency will be the key for Persib Bandung to secure this season's championship title.

Quick Answer

Persib Bandung Rallies for 2-2 Draw Against Dewa United, Eliano Confident in Title Pursuit

Persib Bandung staged a comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Dewa United in BRI Super League matchweek 28. After conceding goals to Alex Martins (24') and Ricky Kambuaya (61'), Persib responded with Thom Haye's penalty (77') and Andrew Jung's header (86'). The result maintains Persib's top position with 65 poi...

Persib Bandung recovered from 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2 against Dewa United
The result keeps Persib top of BRI Super League with 65 points, but Borneo FC now trails by just two points
Coach Eliano Reijnders maintains confidence in Persib's championship trajectory
Persib boasts a perfect home record (14 wins) heading into next match against Arema FC
Standings: Persib (65 pts), Borneo FC (63 pts), Persija Jakarta (58 pts)

Persib Bandung mounted a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Dewa United in the BRI Super League, demonstrating resilience that keeps their championship aspirations firmly on track according to head coach Eliano Reijnders. Despite trailing by two goals at Banten International Stadium, the Bandung Maung fought back with late strikes to share the points in matchweek 28 of the 2025/2026 season.

Dewa United established control with Alex Martins opening the scoring in the 24th minute, followed by Ricky Kambuaya doubling their advantage in the 61st minute. Persib's response began in the 77th minute when Thom Haye converted a penalty, setting the stage for Andrew Jung's dramatic equalizing header just nine minutes later. The comeback salvaged a crucial point despite Persib's initial struggle to find rhythm.

Eliano Reijnders, brother of Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, immediately emphasized that this result doesn't alter Persib's title ambitions. 'We keep fighting and trying to come back. The important takeaway is we remain on course for our objectives and will immediately refocus for our next challenge,' he stated in post-match comments. His confidence stems partly from Persib's league position - they still sit atop the standings with 65 points from 28 matches.

The title race has intensified significantly though, with Borneo FC now just two points behind in second place (63 points) and Persija Jakarta a further five points back in third (58 points). This narrowing gap increases pressure on every remaining match, particularly as Persib prepares to host Arema FC at their fortress-like Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. Their perfect home record this season - 14 wins from 14 matches - provides substantial psychological advantage.

When analyzing the Dewa United performance, Eliano concurred with assistant coach Bojan Hodak's assessment of Persib's sluggish start. 'I completely agree we began poorly, but we progressively developed our game until achieving the draw,' he acknowledged. As the season enters its decisive phase, maintaining consistency through these final matches becomes paramount for Persib to clinch what would be a historic championship.