A thrilling encounter in the Super League 2025/26 saw PSIM Yogyakarta secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Persik Kediri at the Sultan Agung Bantul Stadium on Saturday, October 31st. The intense match was marred by two red cards, with one player from each side sent off, underscoring the fierce competition on the pitch.
This crucial win propelled PSIM Yogyakarta to the second position in the league standings, accumulating 18 points from 10 games played. Conversely, Persik Kediri remains anchored in 11th place with 11 points, also from 10 matches, highlighting the significance of this result for both teams’ campaigns.
PSIM Yogyakarta started the game with an immediate offensive, demonstrating their intent early on. Their first significant opportunity arose in the 4th minute when Anton Quinten Olivier Fase unleashed a shot, though it veered wide of the Persik goal. Just three minutes later, Persik responded, with Portuguese striker Telmo Castanheira attempting a strike that ultimately failed to trouble the PSIM net.
The first half was characterized by a relentless exchange of attacks from both teams, yet neither could break the deadlock. Persik Kediri managed to register the only two shots on target before the break, courtesy of Jose Rodriquez in the 18th minute and Wigi Pratama in the 43rd minute. Despite their efforts, the score remained 0-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
The second half brought a rapid change in momentum, with PSIM Yogyakarta finally finding their breakthrough in the 49th minute. Ezequiel Vidal delivered a superb through-ball into the penalty area, which Nermin Haljeta skillfully controlled. He then elegantly dribbled past goalkeeper Leo Navacchio before firing a low shot into the back of the Persik net, igniting celebrations.
PSIM thought they had doubled their lead just five minutes later. From a free-kick situation, Ze Valente delivered the ball, which Ezequiel Vidal struck. Navacchio made a save, but Vidal pounced on the rebound and slotted it home. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the referee disallowed the goal for offside, keeping Persik’s hopes alive.
The drama escalated in the 59th minute when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Henhen Herdiana brought down Fase inside Persik’s box. Henhen received a second yellow card for the foul, resulting in a red card and reducing Persik to ten men. Three minutes later, Valente confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, extending PSIM’s lead to 2-0.
Despite being a man down, Persik Kediri showed resilience and managed to pull a goal back in the 64th minute. Ezra unleashed a powerful shot that flew past PSIM goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi and nestled into the net, narrowing the deficit. The match continued its tempestuous nature, and PSIM also found themselves playing with ten men from the 84th minute, as Vidal received his second yellow card, leading to a red card. Nevertheless, PSIM Yogyakarta held firm, protecting their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, clinching a vital victory in a truly memorable contest.
Summary
PSIM Yogyakarta secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Persik Kediri in a thrilling Super League match at the Sultan Agung Bantul Stadium. This crucial win propelled PSIM to second place in the league standings with 18 points from 10 games. Conversely, Persik remains in eleventh place with 11 points, highlighting the significance of the result for both teams’ campaigns.
The intense encounter saw PSIM break the 0-0 deadlock in the 49th minute with a goal from Nermin Haljeta. Drama ensued when Persik’s Henhen Herdiana received a red card, leading to a penalty which Ze Valente converted for PSIM, extending their lead to 2-0. Despite being a man down, Persik pulled one goal back through Ezra, and PSIM also had a player sent off later, but they held firm for the 2-1 victory.