Maxwell's Penalty Missed, Persija Held to Draw by PSIM Yogyakarta

Persija Jakarta's chase for the top of the 2025/2026 BRI Super League table hit a snag after being held to a 1-1 draw by PSIM Yogyakarta in week 29 at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali, on Wednesday. This result halted the Kemayoran Tigers' winning streak from their previous two matches.

PSIM played their relocated home match from Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, without spectators. From the opening minutes, Laskar Mataram stunned Persija with an early goal by Ezequiel Vidal just four minutes into the game.

The goal originated from an incursion by Deri Corfe down the left flank. The English player sent the ball to Savio Sheva in front of the penalty box. 

Sheva then directed the ball to Vidal, who was unmarked on the right side. Vidal's low shot beat goalkeeper Eduardo. 

Trailing by a goal, Mauricio Souza's team upped their attacking intensity. In the 18th minute, the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Allano Lima was brought down by Donny Warmerdam inside the box.

Allano, stepping up as the taker, successfully beat goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi. The score leveled at 1-1.

After the equalizer, Persija dominated the game. Rayhan Hannan almost put the visitors ahead, but his shot struck the crossbar. 

Not long after, Allano's chance in front of goal also failed to be converted.

Persija earned another penalty in the 42nd minute when Allano was fouled by Yusaku Yamadera. The second penalty was a golden opportunity for the Kemayoran Tigers to turn things around.

However, Maxwell, entrusted as the executioner, failed in his duty. The Brazilian striker's shot direction was read by Cahya. The 1-1 score held until halftime.

Entering the second half, Persija increased their firepower by bringing on Gustavo Almeida and Alaeddine Ajaraie in the 68th minute. 

This substitution was followed by the introduction of Fajar Fathurrahman and Jean Mota eight minutes later.
Persija's final chance came in the 90+8th minute when Gustavo met Fajar's cross with a header. Unfortunately, Cahya gathered the ball comfortably.

With the additional point, Persija collected 59 points and remained in third place.

Meanwhile, PSIM rose to ninth position with 39 points, despite not winning in their last six matches.