ACL Two Result: Julio Cesar Scores an Early Goal, Persib Secures Three Points at FC Seoul's Home Ground

Persib Bandung returned from South Korea with three valuable points. Julio Cesar's early goal was the difference as Maung Bandung defeated hosts FC Seoul 1-0 in the opening Group E fixture of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.

Only five minutes had elapsed when Persib found a gap in FC Seoul's defence. Marc Klok played a pass into the host's defensive area, which Julio Cesar ran onto to fire the ball into the back of FC Seoul's net.

This goal from Persib's defender set the tone for the visitors as they worked to nullify the home side's attacking threats. After falling behind, FC Seoul increased their pressure while searching for an equaliser.

FC Seoul fielded a number of reserve players for this match, but this did not make proceedings straightforward for Persib. Following the early concession, the hosts continuously launched assaults on Persib's defensive line.

Maung Bandung were forced to work relentlessly to protect their narrow lead. In the 16th minute, Gabriel Mutombo showed sharp reactions to clear a dangerous ball inside the penalty area.

Pressure grew even more intense as the first half neared its conclusion. Teja Paku Alam emerged as one of Persib's most critical players in their efforts to retain their advantage.

In the 31st minute, Teja punched away a headed effort from an FC Seoul player that came from a corner kick. Just three minutes later, the Persib goalkeeper produced another outstanding save, tipping Jeong Hyunwoo's curling strike away from goal.

Persib successfully saw out the first half with their 1-0 lead intact, as FC Seoul failed to convert any of their sustained pressure into goals.

Entering the second half, head coach Igor Tolic made no changes to his starting lineup. Persib continued to hunt for opportunities via counter attacks, while FC Seoul pushed constantly for a levelling goal.

Another dangerous threat arrived in the 62nd minute. Recently introduced substitutes Ko Pilgwan and Jung Hawon tested Persib with a headed attempt, which was stopped once again by Teja Paku Alam.

Persib would occasionally break out of the defensive pressure to launch rapid counter attacks. Adam Alis played a through ball for Mariano Peralta, but the Argentine forward's run was halted by FC Seoul defenders.

As the match edged closer to full time, FC Seoul threw everything forward to create dangerous attacking situations. Persib opted to maintain disciplined defensive organisation while waiting for openings to hit on the counter.

In the 90th minute, Peralta showcased his individual quality, beating multiple opposition players before playing a low driven cross across the face of goal.

Beckham Putra attempted to reach the delivery, but arrived a fraction too late, wasting another chance for Persib to extend their lead.

Five minutes of stoppage time was then added. Igor Tolic used this window to introduce Thom Haye as a replacement for Adam Alis.

Thom came extremely close to sealing the victory with Persib's second goal. Deep into stoppage time, his shot beat the FC Seoul backline, only to strike the goal frame and rebound away.

The 1-0 scoreline remained until the final whistle. Persib opened their 2026/2027 ACL Two Group E campaign with an away victory, secured by Julio Cesar's early goal and an unyielding defensive performance across the entire match.

These three points collected in Seoul provide a crucial foundation for Maung Bandung as they compete in this Asian continental competition.