PSIM Coach Wants To Be Consistent After Beating Persebaya

JAKARTA PSIM Yogyakarta coach Jean-Paul van Gastel hopes that his team will appear consistent in the BRI Super League 2025/2026 after winning the inaugural match against Persebaya Surabaya.

The Dutch tactician led his team to a narrow 1-0 victory over the host Persebaya Surabaya in the first week match which took place at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Friday, August 8, 2025 evening WIB.

"Of course we are very happy to be able to win our first game. I think this will be standard for us. I hope to see my team like this every week," van Gastel said after the match.

Even though he was present as a guest team and not seeded, PSIM dared to play openly from the first minute. They appeared to attack and managed to trouble Bajul Ijo's defense repeatedly.

However, the team's victory nicknamed Laskar Mataram was only determined at critical times. Their only goal was scored through Ezequiel Vidal's header using a pass from Dede Safari in the 90+2' minute.

"Both teams had chances and we were lucky to be able to take advantage of one of the last chances we got and score. So, of course very happy," said van Gastel.

PSIM rose to the highest caste of the Super League season 2025/2026 competition after becoming champions in the second caste. They climbed the highest podium there after beating Bhayangkara FC.

This is the first appearance of PSIM Yogyakarta at the highest level after 18 years playing in Liga 2. So, the victory over Persebaya in the match felt so special.

This victory made PSIM temporarily sit in second place in the standings, behind Borneo FC. The defeat in the first match made Persebaya have to settle for sitting at the bottom of the standings.