Super League: Carlos Pena Demands Persita Perform at Their Best to Defeat Persija.

Persita Tangerang will face a stern test when hosting Persija Jakarta for the 5th matchweek of BRI Super League 2026/2027 at Banten International Stadium, Tangerang, on Saturday evening. Head coach Carlos Pena acknowledged his squad will need to deliver their peak performance to halt the momentum of Macan Kemayoran, who hold an unblemished record this early in the season.

Persija arrive with four straight victories under their belt. This run has marked the capital side as one of the most consistent outfits so far, meaning Persita must maintain full discipline for the entire duration of the match if they intend to claim all three points.

Pena stressed that beating Persija cannot be achieved on fighting spirit alone. The Cisadane Warriors must uphold balanced play across the pitch, from defensive structure right through to attacking efficiency.

"To take three points, we have to perform perfectly both in defence and attack. On top of that, you always need a touch of luck to win a match of this level," Pena stated via Persita's official channels.

Pena went on to confirm Persita will deploy every available ability to overcome the squad coached by Shin Tae-yong.

"But we will fight. We will compete with everything we have, and we hope we can walk away with three points," he added.

Persija Boast An Imposing Defensive Unit

Persita's greatest challenge will be breaking Persija's well-drilled game balance. Across their opening four fixtures, the cohesion between Macan Kemayoran's backline and forward line has produced 8 goals scored with only 1 conceded.

These statistics prove Persija are not only dangerous going forward, but also extremely difficult for opponents to penetrate. Holding a +7 goal difference, Shin Tae-yong's side carries strong momentum to defend their spot at the top of the Standings.

Pena understands full well the quality of the opposition. The Spanish coach noted Persija has shown clear improvement, particularly defensively, after recruiting high-calibre players ahead of this campaign.

"We are up against a team that defends extremely well. They really are very solid at the back," Pena explained.

Carlos Pena Remains Confident In Persita's Capabilities

Despite acknowledging Persija's strength, Pena refused to let his squad become preoccupied with the opposition's advantages. He instructed his players to stay focused on their own game plan.

Per Pena's assessment, Persita possess quality options in the final third. This talent will be leveraged through clinical attacking play whenever scoring chances open up.

"It is true they have improved in this area compared to last season. But we must stay focused on ourselves. I am confident we have quality players in our forward line," Pena stated.

Persita also have solid grounds for confidence. They remain unbeaten after four opening matches, with two wins and two draws. This 8-point haul currently places the Cisadane Warriors at 5th in the provisional league table.

This fixture at Banten International Stadium will pit two in-form sides against one another.

Persija will look to extend their winning run and cement their position at the summit, while Persita aim to capitalise on home advantage to end their rival's perfect streak.