League Results 1: Persija Comeback Through Gustavo's Hattrick, Dewa United Wins Over Persis

Persija Jakarta won over PSS Sleman through the Hattrick Gustavo Almeida (Instagram/@persija).

JAKARTA - Two parties were presented in the 16th week of Liga 1 2024/2025 evening WIB, Saturday, December 21, 2024. Persija Jakarta hosted PSS Sleman and Dewa United came to Persis Solo.

Persija managed to make a comeback by locking a 3-1 victory over PSS at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

The hosts were close to opening goals in the 11th minute. With a quick counter-attack, Ryo Matsumura got open space to open fire, but the ball still bounced.

However, the Kemayoran Tigers were surprised by the visitors' goal three minutes later. Also through a counter-attack, Gustavo Tocantins converted Nicolao Dumitro's cross into a goal.

The situation was left behind, making Persija aggressively press. In the 23rd minute, Firza Andika got a chance in the box, but unfortunately his shot was still soaring.

Likewise with Maciej Gajos in the 30th minute. However, his long-range shot was still caught by Alan Bernardon.

Persija again had the opportunity to equalize when the first half normal time was five minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, Marko Simic's header after receiving Firza's cross was still wide.

In the first half of injury time, Persija relaxed the pressure that PSS finally took advantage of.

There were two opportunities created through Fachruddin Aryanto when he was stuck in the penalty box, but Andritany Ardhiyasa still blocked. Then, the second chance through Dumitru was also not on target.

Entering the second half, Persija dominated possession from the start to find an equalizer.

Finally, the goal they were waiting for arrived in the 64th minute. Gustavo Almeida escaped from offside while controlling the pass away from the defensive area.

He then passed one PSS defender before firing a low shot at the pole close to the corner. Alan also had time to reach the ball, but still couldn't hold back until he entered the goal.

When the score drew 1-1, PSS began to launch attacks. Paulo Sitanggang almost made the visitors return to the lead if his shot from close range was not blocked by Andritany.

Entering the 70th minute, Persija took over possession of the ball. They constantly lock up the PSSI defense.

A golden opportunity was created in the 72nd minute, but Ryo Matsumur's volley after responding to Firza's cross was still thin.

It was three money with a chance for Gajos two minutes later. His left foot kick also did not meet the target.

Persija finally had the opportunity to take the lead when the referee pointed to the spot after Cleberson was caught handball in the 83rd minute.

There was a VAR check, but the referee remained with the initial decision. Gustavo was the executor who successfully carried out his duties so that the Kemayoran Tigers won 2-1 in the 88th minute.

Gustavo almost had a hat trick in injury time if the ball he was holding back when the goalkeeper was moving forward did not widen slightly.

This six-minute injury time, which ended up 11 minutes due to many incidents, was colored by many moments. PSS protested when the referee did not give a penalty after Ricky Cawor fell.

After the VAR review, the referee continued the match. In fact, disaster came again for the Javanese Super Elang.

Gustavo really scored a hat trick through a counter-attack. He beat Ega Rizky who replaced Alan.

Meanwhile, in another party, Dewa United also managed to secure victory over his guest, Persis Solo, at Pakansari Stadium.

Had been tough for half an hour of the match, the Children of the Gods were 1-0 up in the first half.

Alex Martins opened the hosts' lead in the 38th minute and lasted until halftime.

In the second half, Persis is more active in pressing to find an equalizer. However, a number of their efforts failed to bear fruit.

In fact, in injury time, Dewa United kept his distance after Septian Bagaskara, who entered the second half, entered the scoreboard.

The 2-0 score for Dewa United lasted until the game was over. An additional three points took them up to fifth in the 2024/2025 Liga 1 standings with 25 points.

Persija Jakarta remains in third place with a collection of 28 points after winning against PSSI.

Meanwhile, Persis and PSS must be satisfied not to move from the bottom. Laskar Samber Life is in the relegation zone, ranked 16th, with 10 points. Then, the Javanese Super Elang is on the 14th ladder with 12 points.