Efficient and Calm Play Key to Persija's Victory Over Persebaya

Persija Jakarta showed its fangs once again. In a heated duel against Persebaya Surabaya at Gelora Bung Tomo (GBT) Stadium on Saturday night, October 18, 2025, the Kemayoran Tigers appeared sharp and efficient, conquering the hosts with a 3-1 scoreline in the ninth week of the 2025/2026 BRI Super League.

Persija coach, Mauricio Souza, expressed satisfaction seeing his team's performance, which played calmly from the opening whistle. 

"From the start, we were looking for goals and managed to take the lead first. That made the team calmer. We know Persebaya is a great team, but today we deserved the win," said Souza at the post-match press conference at GBT Stadium Surabaya on Saturday night, October 18, 2025.

This victory wasn't just three points for Persija. For Souza, the result is tangible proof of the team's hard work during the international break, especially in improving defensive organization. 

Furthermore, after the international break, his team made many improvements on the defensive side, and the results were evident in the team's performance, which was able to defend very well.

In this match, Persija performed like a well-oiled machine. Not rushed, but effective whenever they got a chance. Souza stated that the improvement in the back line wasn't just the responsibility of the defenders, but the result of the collective work of the entire team.

"Our team has a lot of quality to create chances. And because we defend better, the process of creating chances becomes easier," he said.

Persija indeed appeared cohesive. The combination of solid defense and quick attacks was the key to victory that night. Whenever Persebaya tried to press, Persija was able to respond with efficient transitions, a characteristic of a team with a playing identity beginning to form under Souza.

A Team Maturing

One of the interesting moments of this match was the absence of Bruno Tubarao. However, Souza dismissed the notion that the absence of the winger was a major problem. 

"That proves we have a great team. Bruno is a good player with a history in football. Every player can go through tough times, but we still believe in and rely on him," he said.

This comment underscores how Souza is building a mature team mentality. He does not rely solely on one player but instills the philosophy that victory comes from teamwork and trust.

Souza also expressed appreciation for the incredible atmosphere at the match in Surabaya. 

"I want to thank Jakmania who continuously supported us throughout the match, and also to the Persebaya supporters for their warm welcome. The stadium was full and everyone could enjoy a great match," he said.

Thorough Preparation Bears Fruit

Persija striker Gustavo Almeida also agreed that his team's success resulted from thorough preparation. The Brazilian striker believed the victory in Surabaya was no coincidence, but the result of intensive training conducted over the past week.

"We trained hard all week with many demands from the coach. We knew the previous results weren't optimal, but in terms of duels and statistics, we were always superior. Today the result was visible on the field," he said.

With this victory, Persija not only secured three crucial points but also displayed a playing identity that is starting to become consistent. Under the guidance of Mauricio Souza, the Kemayoran Tigers look increasingly ready to compete at the top of the BRI Super League. (Antara)