Persib take positive momentum into Java United clash

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Persib Bandung have positive momentum ahead of their ninth-week BRI Super League 2026/27 match against Java United at Jatidiri Stadium in Semarang on Sunday (8 November) at 7pm WIB.

Persib come into the match having secured qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two). They clinched their place by beating Melbourne Victory 2-1 in Australia.

The victory over Melbourne Victory sent Persib through to the round of 16 with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches.

“This was completely unexpected — qualifying for the round of 16 so early. I think, at least for me, we worked hard and tried to create the right environment with the right players,” Persib head coach Igor Tolic said, according to the official I.League website on Saturday.

“We were not the favourites in this group (Group E), because FC Seoul were there. But we were fortunate that they fielded a young squad, with several players missing from the first match, so we got a win. That was a good start,” Tolic said.

That positive momentum continued, thanks to a very solid defensive structure in the subsequent matches, both when containing Vietnamese side Viettel FC and in their first home match against Melbourne Victory.

“Then, in the end, we took some risks and won. As I said, we were the underdogs at the start, but the other teams are very, very good. We cannot wait to see what happens in the next round,” he added.

Persib are currently fifth in the Super League with 16 points, while hosts Java United are ninth with 10 points.