Persib Suffer Their Second Defeat in the Super League, Madura United Claim a Dramatic Win.

Persib Bandung dropped further points in the 2026/2027 Super League. As the defending champions, the Maung squad were forced to concede defeat to Madura United by a score of 0-1 in the Matchweek 6 fixture held at Gelora Madura Ratu Pamelingan Stadium, Pamekasan. Dimitar Mitkov's late goal ensured Persib returned home with zero points.

This marks Persib's second loss in six matches this season. Prior to this match, Persib fell 1-2 to Persija Jakarta in Matchweek 2 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on 12 September 2026.

The result at Madura United's home ground stings deeply for Igor Tolic's side. Persib dominated the run of play throughout the match, but failed to convert any of their multiple created chances into goals.

Madura United instead showed disciplined patience absorbing pressure. The Laskar Sape Kerrap side held their defensive line solidly while waiting for counterattack openings, before finally scoring the decisive goal right before full time.

Madura United head coach Ze Gomes expressed relief after his side secured three critical points from this difficult fixture against Persib.

"We are very happy with this win. We know the quality Persib have, they are a very tough opponent, but we badly needed these three important points," stated Ze Gomes after the Thursday night match, as quoted from the official I.League website.

This victory lifts Madura United to 3rd position in the provisional league table with 13 points collected from six matches. Persib meanwhile remains stuck in 6th place with 10 points.

Persib Dominated Possession, Madura United Sat Deep And Waited For Chances

Persib Bandung attempted to take control of the match right from the first half. The visiting side held majority possession and repeatedly tried to break down Madura United's backline, however this dominance did not produce any goals.

Madura United gradually began to shake off pressure after the 20th minute mark. The home side started building their own attacks, and registered several attempts on target against Teja Paku Alam's goal.

Even though both sides created goalscoring opportunities, poor finishing across both squads meant the score remained unchanged. The first half ended goalless.

Substitutions Failed To Turn The Tide For Persib

Persib made multiple personnel changes at the start of the second half. Mariano Peralta was brought on for Luka Menalo to add extra attacking options. In midfield, Adam Alis made way for Luciona Guaycochea, while Kakang Rudianto was replaced by Sandy Walsh.

Madura United also made a substitution, bringing on Iran Junior in place of Lulinha. These lineup changes made the match flow far more dynamically.

Ze Gomes made further tactical adjustments shortly after: Danilo Santacruz was substituted off for Balotelli, while Paulo Domingos Gali Da Costa Freitas made way for Aji Kusuma.

Persib continued to pile on attacking pressure, but Madura United maintained perfect defensive discipline. Just as the visitors' attacks kept failing to produce a goal, the home side found the opening that would change the Match Result.

Dimitar Mitkov Crushes Persib's Hopes

Just when the match looked set to end goalless, Madura United finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. Dimitar Mitkov became the home side's hero after pouncing on a loose ball inside Persib's penalty box.

His placed shot found the far corner of the net, well out of reach of goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam, putting Madura United 1-0 ahead in the 89th minute.

Mitkov's goal was a devastating blow for Persib, who had spent the entire match working to build an advantage.

Persib threw everything forwards in the dying minutes in an attempt to salvage at least one point. However Madura United tightened their defensive block even further, while launching occasional counterattacks to disrupt the visitors' late push.

The scoreline remained unchanged when the full time whistle blew. Madura United sealed the 1-0 win, while Persib were forced to accept their second defeat of the season.

Madura United Return To Winning Ways

These three additional points move Madura United into 3rd place in the provisional 2026/2027 Super League Standings. They now hold 13 points from four wins, one draw and one loss.

This result also ends Madura United's poor run of form, after they only managed to pick up one single point across their previous two matches.

Beating the defending champions has boosted Laskar Sape Kerrap's confidence as they look to compete at the top end of the table.

Another challenge awaits next: Madura United will travel away to face Persebaya Surabaya in the Suramadu Derby, scheduled for Monday 26 October at 19:00 WIB, held at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium.