Bringing Simic Name, Carlos Pena Expresses The Key To Persija's Victory Over Persita

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta coach, Carlos Pena, revealed the key to the team's victory when they hosted Persita Tangerang in the 19th week of Liga 1 2024/2025. He said the team's success could not be separated from Marko Simic's differential presence.

In the match which was held at the Jakarta International Stadium on Sunday, January 19, 2025, WIB night, Persija closed the match with a 2-0 win over Persita.

Appearing in front of his own supporters, the Kemayoran Tigers were made difficult until the end of the first half of normal time.

However, the deadlock broke after Marko Simic was able to bring Persija ahead before halftime, precisely in the 45+1 minute.

In the second half, Persija was also able to double the number again through a measured shooting from Rayhan Hannan (69'). After the match, Pena admitted that the tight match against Persita had been predicted by him.

The Spaniard said the game scheme usually applied by Persija was successfully read by the Cisadane Warriors.

"It's a very difficult game, we've predicted it before. Persita comes with a defensive way."

"They defended by putting a lot of players behind, but we tried in the first half."

"We know it will be difficult because Persita put a lot of players behind and prevented us from crossing," Pena said in a press conference after the match.

Regarding the match, Pena said Persija was luckyer because they could find the momentum to turn things around.

Pena said Marko Simic's goal was the difference in the match so Persija was comfortable controlling the game in the second half.

"We tried to control the game. Luckily we were able to score at the end of the first half with Simic's header."

"After that everything was different. In the second half there was more room to attack. With the second goal, we were able to control the game more. Happy with three points, clean-sheet, and team performance," said Pena.

Of the three points at home, Persija stuck closely to Persebaya who were in second place in the class with similar points, namely 37 points. That way, the Kemayoran Tigers are only three points apart from Persib Bandung at the top of the standings.