Persib Wins Over PSM, Persija Stands as the True Test, Persebaya Is Still Finding Their Form

IndonesiaTravelSport.com - Persib Bandung opened their 2026/2027 Super League campaign with a convincing victory. Hosting PSM Makassar at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on Sunday (6/9/2026), Maung Bandung secured a 3-1 win despite falling behind early in the match.

PSM caught Persib off guard with a fast goal from Kodai Tanaka in the 6th minute. However, Persib mounted a notable response after this setback.

After heading into half time trailing, Persib completed their comeback in the second half with goals from Patricio Matricardi, Balsa Sekulic, and Uilliam Barros.

This result highlighted one key asset for Persib: their ability to respond under pressure and turn the tide of a match. The team also maintained control of play with approximately 70% ball possession.

Even so, this win over PSM is not sufficient to answer the major questions surrounding Persib's overall capabilities this season.

PSM still managed to create consistent threats and take the lead first. This reveals areas that still require improvement, most notably performance consistency and defensive organisation when under pressure.

And the second matchweek will immediately present a far tougher test.

Persib will travel to Jakarta to face Persija on Saturday (12/9/2026). Notably, Persija also opened their season with a win, beating Borneo FC 1-0 away in Samarinda thanks to a goal from Alexander Jeremejeff.

Both opening victories were achieved with very distinct playing characteristics.

Persib demonstrated their ability to control matches and stage comebacks, while Persija showcased tight defensive discipline and clinical efficiency when converting chances.

This is why the upcoming Persija vs Persib fixture is far more than just a battle for three points.

This match will act as the first genuine test for both head coaches and the long term squad projects they are building.

Shin Tae-yong has begun shaping Persija around a solid defensive foundation and disciplined, structured gameplay.

Persib on the other hand, will need to prove that their dominant possession football and finishing ability is effective against more than just PSM.

If Persib can retain control of the match in Jakarta while weathering Persija's pressure, their opening win against PSM will carry far greater meaning.

Conversely, if Persija are able to neutralise Persib's game, their clinical efficiency will establish itself as a dangerous weapon for this season's title race.

Persebaya Still Searching For Consistency

Elsewhere, Persebaya Surabaya opened their season with a 1-1 away draw against Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC.

Bajul Ijo took the lead through Yann Mabella in the 13th minute, but failed to hold their advantage after Allano Lima equalised for the home side in the 59th minute.

Persebaya did not dominate possession throughout the match. Bhayangkara actually recorded around 73% ball possession. Even so, Persebaya created multiple clear chances to extend their lead.

The core issue lies in end product, particularly with final passes and decision making inside the opposition penalty area.

Taking one point from an away fixture is not a poor result, but Persebaya still need to prove they can perform consistently and control matches against higher quality opposition.

This analysis of Persib, Persija and Persebaya was the central topic discussed on the ITSMe Podcast, recorded at Sentul Studio, Bogor on Monday (7/9/2026) and hosted by Raisha and Gilang Respaty.

Football analysts Yusuf Kurniawan, also known as Bung Yuke, and Erwin Fitriansyah broke down the three teams' performances, shifts in their playing style, and the challenges awaiting clubs early in the 2026/2027 Super League season.

The first matchweek has only provided an early impression of the season. The upcoming Persija vs Persiba fixture however, will be a far more critical benchmark to measure how solid the foundations of both sides have actually become.