Persib's Run in ACL Two: Igor Tolic's Strategy Is the Key to Their Comeback Win Against Melbourne Victory

A strategic shift by Persib Bandung reversed the final result of their Group E Matchday 4 fixture in the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two). Head coach Igor Tolic's decision to restructure the team's play system and introduce fresh players became the turning point for their 2-1 comeback win over Melbourne Victory.  

Persib found themselves in a precarious position after falling behind to Julio Cesar's 71st minute own goal during the match held at AAMI Park on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. However, Maung Bandung did not lose their momentum, and turned the match around with goals from Luka Menalo in the 85th minute and Balsa Sekulic in the 90th minute.

Igor Tolic stated that the response from his players was the primary factor behind Persib's successful away victory.

"The players reacted extraordinarily. We immediately adjusted our structure, brought on fit fresh players, and exploited gaps in their defensive line to push forward on the attack and score those excellent goals," Igor stated, as quoted from the club's official website on Thursday.

Formation Adjustment Unlocked Attacking Space

According to Tolic, the match remained evenly balanced before Persib conceded. The Croatian head coach made a tactical switch, withdrawing one central defender to reorganise the backline into a flat four-man defensive setup. 

With this adjustment, Persib gained far more room to build attacking moves along the width of the pitch.

Persib no longer relied solely on central attacks, and instead began actively exploiting the wide flank areas.

Alongside the formation change, Tolic made personnel substitutions to maintain match intensity. Marc Klok replaced Adam Alis, while Menalo came on for Uilliam Barros in the 74th minute. Mariano Peralta was then introduced in place of Julio Cesar.

These substitutions proved highly effective. Menalo immediately posed an attacking threat before netting the equaliser in the 85th minute. Peralta also played a key role in the winning goal, providing the assist for Sekulic five minutes later.

Tolic praised the effectiveness of his side's tactical adjustments.

"We used this opportunity to push forward and score. Those were really wonderful goals," he commented.

Substitute Players Proved Decisive

The contribution from Persib's substitutes was one of the defining takeaways from their victory in Melbourne. 

Menalo and Peralta injected fresh energy into the attacking line, while Sekulic converted the decisive chance that settled the match result.

"I believe we completely caught them off guard right after they scored. We changed our play structure, and every player that came on brought extra energy for the team. This is an incredible win, we are all extremely happy," Menalo stated.

The Croatian forward expressed pride at helping Persib secure a historic victory on Australian soil.

"We are very proud and happy to become the first Indonesian team ever to win a match in Australia," Menalo added.

The effectiveness of Persib's substitutions was also reflected in official A-Leagues match data: Menalo scored the 85th minute equaliser, before Sekulic sealed the victory in the 90th minute from Peralta's delivery.

This win puts Persib at the top of the provisional group Standings with 12 points from four matches, and formally confirms their place in the Round of 16.

This result also extends Persib's run of reaching the ACL Two knockout stages for two consecutive seasons.

For Tolic, this victory in Melbourne proves that Persib's strength does not only lie with their starting eleven.

Squad depth, the courage to adjust tactics mid-match, and the readiness of substitute players will be valuable assets for the side as they prepare for the knockout phase competition.