Malut United down Persib Bandung, Ciro Alves scores without celebration

Malut United appeared effective and full of determination when hosting Persib Bandung in the postponed 2025 Super League match. Playing at Kie Raha Stadium, Ternate, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the home team successfully closed the first half with a 2-0 lead over Maung Bandung.

Malut United's two goals were scored by Igor Inocencio in the 40th minute and Ciro Alves during first-half injury time (45+3). The latter became the spotlight as a former Persib Bandung player who last season helped Maung Bandung achieve glorious success.

From the opening minutes, Malut United immediately took the attacking initiative. Within the first five minutes, the home team created two dangerous chances, one coming from a corner kick executed by Ciro Alves. Though not yet producing goals, the pressure signaled Malut United's unwillingness to play safe.

Malut's attacking intensity remained consistent. A golden moment arrived in the 14th minute when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Julio Cesar committed a handball in the box. David da Silva, Persib's former goal machine now wearing Malut United colors, stepped up as penalty executor.

However, this golden opportunity went unused. David da Silva's shot toward the right side of goal was perfectly read by Teja Paku Alam. The Persib goalkeeper reacted alertly to save the penalty, keeping his team's hopes alive.

Amid Malut United's pressure, Persib Bandung briefly gained a golden chance through Andrew Jung. An individual error by a Malut player nearly proved disastrous, but Jung failed to convert the opportunity. Finishing remained Persib's primary issue throughout the first half.

After several attempts, the deadlock finally broke just before halftime. Igor Inocencio registered his name on the scoresheet with a sharp header that Teja Paku Alam couldn't anticipate. This goal marked the turning point in Malut United's dominance.

The home advantage extended further during injury time. Ciro Alves exploited a swift counter-attack scheme to breach his former team's net. Despite scoring successfully, the Brazilian winger refrained from celebration out of respect for Persib Bandung. Ciro Alves was seen crying after scoring against his former club.

Ciro Alves' goal ensured Malut United concluded the first half with a convincing 2-0 lead. 

Entering the second half, Persib attempted to break free from pressure to chase the deficit. Although creating several opportunities, they couldn't convert them effectively.

Despite leading by two goals, Malut United maintained aggressive play, resulting in end-to-end exchanges. 

Persib introduced Ramon Tanque to boost their firepower, but the Brazilian player couldn't change the situation.

Until the final whistle, Persib struggled to score and had to accept defeat against the home team. This result keeps Persib in third place with 28 points, while Malut sits fourth with 25 points.