Persib continues their winning streak in ACL Two, defeating Melbourne Victory 2-0

Persib Bandung continued their winning run in the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two. Nicknamed Maung Bandung, the club defeated Australian representatives Melbourne Victory by a score of 2-0 in the third Group E fixture, hosted on Wednesday evening at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency.

Balsa Sekulic proved the difference maker, scoring both goals for the home side. The striker's brace ensured Igor Tolic's squad retains a perfect record, with three wins from three group stage matches.

This result leaves Persib firmly seated at the top of Group E with 9 points. Their defensive record also remains outstanding, as they are yet to concede a single goal across all three of their ACL Two fixtures so far.

The victory over Melbourne Victory showcased Persib's ability to capitalise on match momentum. After struggling to break through the opposition defence in the first half, they found the net immediately following the half time break, then doubled their lead before the 70th minute of play.

Persib Presses Forward, Melbourne Victory Mount Resistance

Playing in front of their home supporters, Persib took attacking initiative from kickoff. Within the first five minutes alone, the hosts had already won two corner kicks.

The visiting side did not fall back into pure defensive play. Melbourne Victory attempted to build attacking sequences with low ground passes, testing the focus and discipline of Persib's back line.

Gakuto Notsuda, making his official debut for Persib, earned a goalscoring chance in the 14th minute. His finished shot went directly into the hands of Melbourne Victory Goalkeeper Jack Warshawsky.

Persib threatened again from a dead ball situation in the 20th minute. Thom Haye sent in a cross which Berguinho met with a headed attempt, though the effort drifted wide of the goal frame.

Just ahead of the half time whistle, both Berguinho and Sekulic created clear chances but were unable to convert.

Balsa Sekulic Breaks The Deadlock

Persib needed very little time to open their account after the restart. Less than one full minute into the second half, Sekulic ran onto a through ball played from central midfield by Danijel Loncar.

Despite being tightly marked by two Melbourne Victory defenders, Sekulic managed to fire an on-target shot, Putting Persib 1-0 ahead.

This quick goal completely shifted the match dynamic. Persib grew in confidence and continued to push forward, while Melbourne Victory were forced to ramp up their attacking intensity to chase the deficit.

Sekulic came very close to adding a second goal shortly after, reacting to a loose ball from Sandy Walsh's cross, only for Warshawsky to make the save.

Thom Haye also tested the opposition with a 63rd minute Free kick, which was stopped by the Melbourne Victory goalkeeper.

In the 67th minute, Persib launched a 2-on-2 counter attack. Berguinho played a well weighted through ball which Sekulic finished cleanly, sealing the 2-0 lead for the home side.

Melbourne Victory failed to register a reply before the final whistle, as Persib closed out the fixture with a clean two-goal victory.