Persib Bandung's Key Scenario to Win in the 33rd Week of the Indonesian League 1

JAKARTA - Persib Bandung has a great opportunity to secure the Indonesian League 1 or Super League title in the 2025/2026 competition season at the end of next weekend when they play an away match at PSM Makassar's headquarters.

The duel between Persib against host PSM Makassar in the 33rd week will take place at the Gelora B.J. Habibie Stadium, Parepare, South Sulawesi, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The kick-off of the match starts at 19.00 WIB.

Currently, Persib Bandung's position is still at the top of the standings. Bojan Hodak's squad collected 75 points, the same as Borneo FC's number, which is in second place as the only remaining competitor to get the title from the highest league in Indonesia.

Maung Bandung, another name for Persib, is entitled to the top position because they have a head-to-head advantage over Pesut Etam's troops. From the two clashes this season, Bojan Hodak's squad managed to win at home (3-1) and draw in the away game (1-1).

The advantage makes Persib Bandung's position much safer in the hunt for this season's title. If both teams manage to get six points from the two remaining matches this season, then Bandung has the right to celebrate the title.

However, Marc Klok and his friends can secure the title early if they win over PSM and at the same time Borneo suffer a defeat in the 33rd week when they travel to Persijap Jepara's headquarters on the same day and time.

If that scenario happens, Persib's position at the top of the standings will not be displaced even if they lose in the last match against Persijap and Borneo manages to get the maximum points when hosting Malut United.

The scenario is certainly not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. The reason is, Borneo will certainly fight to get three points at home to bring the hunt for the title this season to the last match.

In addition to Borneo's ambition to maintain the competition, Persib Bandung is also in trouble when away to PSM headquarters because it cannot be accompanied by Hodak. The Croatian tactician could not be on the sidelines because he was sanctioned for accumulating yellow cards.

This is the third time the 55-year-old coach has been absent from accompanying his team in this season's Super League competition. In the match against Makassar later, Hodak's position will be replaced by Igor Tolic - who has the status of assistant coach.

"Igor will sit on the bench to replace my role as coach. There is no problem. He already knows, he is ready, because he is doing this for the third time this year," Hodak said, quoted from the official Super League website.

In addition to not being able to be accompanied by Hodak, Persib was also not strengthened by Federico Barba and Luciano Guaycochea due to accumulated cards and Layvin Kurzawa who was injured. Thus, Julio Cesar, Marc Klok, and Eliano Reijnders can be replacement options.