Bali United Locks Indonesia's Liga 1 Title, Coach Stefano Cugurra Sets A Captivating Record

JAKARTA – Bali United has been confirmed as the champion of the Indonesian League 1 this season. Their coach Stefano “Teco” Cugurra also made a captivating record thanks to his achievements with the team nicknamed Serdadu Tridatu.

Bali United won the title after Persib Bandung was held to a 0-0 draw by Persik Kediri in the 33rd week of the competition on Friday, March 25, Indonesian Western Time (WIB).

Only getting one additional point made Persib unable to catch up with Bali's points with one game remaining. As for the current standings, Bali has collected 72 points or four points ahead of Persib from the same number of matches.

This achievement made the Tridatu Serdadu Squad register themselves as competition champions for two consecutive times. Previously they also won the 2019 season and the 2020 season which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When they became champions in 2019, Bali United was also managed by Teco. Thus, he became a coach who won Liga 1 in three consecutive seasons.

Before bringing Bali United to victory in the last two editions, the Brazilian tactician first brought Persija Jakarta to become champions in the 2018 season.

However, unfortunately Bali United's victory party this season was marred by poor results against Persebaya on Friday, March 25 night. Ilija Spasojevic and friends had to suffer a crushing 0-3 defeat when they met Persebaya Surabaya.

In addition to getting the title with Bali, Ilija can also close this season as the competition's top scorer. Currently, the 34-year-old player has collected 22 goals from 32 matches or is still two goals ahead of Tira Persikabo striker Ciro Alves.

Bali United will next face Persik Kediri in the last week of Thursday, March 31. Meanwhile, Persib will meet Barito Putera on the same day.