Persebaya Wins Narrowly Against PSIM, Alex Martins' Goal Becomes the Decider

Persebaya Surabaya secured all three points after defeating PSIM Jogja 1-0 in the second matchweek of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League.

Playing at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, East Java on Sunday evening, Persebaya had to wait until the 81st minute to seal their victory. Alex Martins scored the decisive goal, finishing off an assist from Jefferson Silva.

With this result, Persebaya now holds 4 points and sits in 7th position on the league table. The Bajul Ijo squad has recorded one win and one draw from their first two matches of the season.

Meanwhile, PSIM remains on 1 point following one draw and one defeat. The Yogyakarta-based club currently ranks 12th in the provisional standings.

Right from kick-off, Persebaya looked to take control of the match, building the majority of their attacking movements down the right flank.

The home side created their first chance after just four minutes. Following a messy scramble inside the PSIM penalty area, Miguel Pereira picked up the loose ball and fired towards goal, only for Cahya Supriadi to produce a comfortable save.

PSIM did not sit back passively. Jean-Paul van Gastel's side worked to escape the high pressure and find gaps in Persebaya's defensive line, though none of their early attempts created any serious threat.

PSIM's first proper opportunity arrived in the 28th minute. Pulga Vidal tried his luck with a long-range effort from outside the penalty box, but Ernando Ari was well positioned to make the stop.

As the first half drew to a close, the match tempo increased noticeably. Both sides traded attacking spells, but neither team managed to break the deadlock.

PSIM came extremely close to opening the scoring in the 44th minute. Van der Avert won an aerial duel and directed a header that struck the crossbar, before the ball was eventually cleared away by Persebaya's defence.

Persebaya had one final chance before half time from a set piece. In first half stoppage time, Francisco Rivera struck a free kick that deflected off a PSIM defender and looped towards goal.

However, the ball crashed against the left goalpost. The first half ended with the score locked level at 0-0.

After the interval, Persebaya stepped up their intensity and immediately applied greater pressure on the PSIM defence.

Five minutes into the second half, recently introduced substitute Toni Firmansyah - who had just replaced Yan Mabella - was fouled right on the edge of the penalty area. This challenge resulted in a straight red card for Adrian Purzycki in the 50th minute.

This left PSIM to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Laskar Mataram side continued to put up a determined fight.

Abiyoso almost caught Ernando Ari off guard with an ambitious long range strike, but the attempt flew just over Persebaya's crossbar.

Persebaya responded with a counter attacking move. In the 62nd minute, Francisco Rivera found space to shoot from outside the box, with his effort drifting narrowly wide of the right hand post.

Persebaya continued to mount sustained pressure. Another chance fell in the 75th minute when Miguel Pereira met Jefferson's cross with a first time flick, but the ball rolled just wide across the face of PSIM's goal.

The deadlock was finally broken six minutes later.

In the 81st minute, Alex Martins put Persebaya ahead with a diving header, connecting perfectly with Jefferson Silva's cross from PSIM's right defensive flank to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Trailing by a goal, PSIM pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser. Their best chance came deep in stoppage time through M Iqbal.

M Iqbal struck a shot that took a deflection off a Persebaya defender, but Ernando Ari pulled off a superb reflex save to keep the home side's clean sheet intact.

No further goals were scored before the final whistle. Persebaya held on to their 1-0 lead to secure full three points in front of their home supporters.

For the next matchweek, Persebaya will remain at home, hosting Garudayaksa FC at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya on Saturday 19 September.

PSIM will travel away for their next fixture, with Laskar Mataram scheduled to face Madura United at Gelora Ratu Pamelingan Stadium, Pamekasan on Friday 18 September.