Persib Bandung Only Needs One Point, Borneo FC's Chances of Winning the Super League Are Fading.

The race for the 2025/26 Super League title has narrowed sharply after Persib Bandung claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over PSM Makassar on Matchweek 33, held at Gelora B.J. Habibie Stadium, Parepare on Sunday night. With this result, Maung Bandung only requires one single point from their final fixture to seal this season's championship.

Bojan Hodak's squad played with relentless determination in this tight contest that was fiercely contested from the very first minute. Persib took the first lead through a brilliant individual finish by Thom Haye, before the home side equalised via Yuran Fernandes' headed goal. However Julio Cesar emerged as the match hero after netting the winner in the 90+7th minute.

These three critical points have cemented Persib's position at the top of the provisional league Standings with 78 points. They now hold a two-point advantage over Borneo FC, who squandered their chance after only managing a goalless draw against Persijap Jepara.

With this points gap, Borneo FC's title hopes have become extremely slim. The Pesut Etam are now forced to win their final match, while also relying on Persib dropping points if they wish to lift the trophy this season.

Persib's Dramatic Late Win

PSM actually came out playing aggressively right from kickoff. Roared on by their home crowd, they pressed Persib's backline constantly through Rizky Eka Pratama, though the visiting defence safely dealt with Rizky's powerful 5th minute strike.

Persib looked to escape the pressure by using the pace of Uilliam Barros and Berguinho on the wide areas, while PSM continued to carry threat through Victor Dethan and Ramon Tanque.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute. It began with a piercing through ball from Eliano Reijnders played into Berguinho, who then laid the ball off neatly for Thom Haye.

The Indonesia National Team midfielder executed a quick feint before firing an unstoppable shot into the top right corner of the goal, well out of reach of Goalkeeper Hilman Syah.

Shortly after the second half restarted, Persib almost doubled their lead, but Hilman Syah produced a fine save to deny Adam Alis' first-time strike.

PSM eventually equalised in the 53rd minute. Capitalising on a set piece situation, Yuran Fernandes rose perfectly to head home Ananda Raehan's cross, making it 1-1 and reigniting energy inside the home stadium.

Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Persib showed their champion mentality. Julio Cesar scored the decisive winning goal with a well-placed header, connecting perfectly with Thom Haye's accurate cross in the 7th minute of stoppage time.

Cesar's last-gasp goal secured all three vital points for Persib, and opened a clear path to the Super League crown. Now, only one point from their final fixture is needed to bring the trophy back to Bandung.

Borneo FC Lose Critical Momentum

Elsewhere, Borneo FC failed to keep pressure on Persib after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Persijap Jepara at Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple good chances through Mariano Peralta, poor final-third finishing meant Pesut Etam could not find the net.

Persijap put in an extremely disciplined defensive performance across the full match, successfully neutralising every attacking threat from the visiting side. This draw has delivered a major blow to Borneo FC, as they now trail Persib by two points heading into the final round of the competition.

They will now have to record a victory when hosting Malut United in their final match, while also hoping that Persib are beaten by Persijap Jepara at GBLA Stadium.