Persib vs Arema FC 1-0: Uilliam Barros Becomes the Decisive Factor, Maung Bandung Leads Group A

Persib Bandung kicked off their 2026 President's Cup campaign with a victory. Playing at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency on Saturday evening, Maung Bandung defeated Arema FC 1-0 courtesy of a single goal from Uilliam Barros.

This victory took Persib to the top of the provisional Group A standings with three points. Igor Tolic's side are placed above DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers, who previously played out a 2-2 draw in the group's opening match.

For this fixture, Persib head coach Igor Tolic handed starting spots to a number of the club's new signings. Gabriel Mutombo, Luka Menalo, Balsa Sekulic, and Ikhwan Ali Tanamal all took the field from the first minute.

Arema FC started the match with high pressing, temporarily forcing Persib's defensive line to work under heavy pressure. However, Maung Bandung gradually found their match rhythm and took control of ball possession.

Persib's dominance resulted in a goal in the 23rd minute. Built from an attacking combination between Balsa Sekulic and Berguinho, the ball was worked into the penalty area before being finished cleanly by Uilliam Barros. This goal put Persib 1-0 ahead.

After Barros' goal, match intensity rose further. Persib attempted to retain control of play, while Arema FC searched for gaps to equalise the score. Persib defender Gabriel Mutombo received a yellow card following a foul during this period.

Even as both sides traded attacking sequences, no additional goals were scored before the half-time break.

Entering the second half, Persib came very close to doubling their lead in the 60th minute. Balsa Sekulic created a goalscoring opportunity inside the penalty box, but his shot was successfully saved by Arema FC goalkeeper Adi Satryo.

Singo Edan increased their attacking intensity as they hunted for an equalising goal. However, all Arema threats against Persib's defensive line were shut down by the centre-back partnership of Patricio Matricardi and Kakang Rudianto.

The 1-0 scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle blew, securing all three points for the home side.

This result provides valuable foundation for Persib ahead of their remaining Group A fixtures.

Line-ups

Persib Bandung: Teja Paku Alam, Patricio Matricardi, Gabriel Mutombo, Ikhwan Ali Tanamal, Kakang Rudianto, Luciano Guaycochea, Adam Alis, Berguinho, Luka Menalo, Uilliam Barros, Balsa Sekulic.

Arema FC: Adi Satryo, Achmad M., Maia, Diego Landis, Alfarizie; M. Blade, Betinho F., Julian G., Gustavo Franca, Gabi, Vinicius.