Conquering Barito Putera 2-1, Bali United Tops Indonesian League 1 Standings

Bali United's victory made Serdadu Tridatu top the Liga 1 standings. (photo; doc. between)

JAKARTA – In the second match of the 2021/2022 Indonesian League 1 season, Saturday 11 September, Bali United successfully beat Barito Putera, 2-1 at the Indomilk Arena Stadium, Tangerang.

The victory made Serdadu Tridatu top the competition standings with a perfect six points from the two matches he played.

In the first half, Stefano Cugurra's men conceded in the first half a goal from Aleksandar Rakic in the 16th minute.

The bait released by Rizky Pora was successfully overtaken by Rafael Gomes de Oliveira alias Rafinha, who immediately released a cross and was put to good use by Rakic.

However, Laskar Antasari's superiority did not last long. Bali United through Rizky Pellu equalized 1-1 in the 27th minute.

Pellu managed to take advantage of Andhika Wijaya's cross which the Barito Putera defense failed to anticipate.

Furthermore, in the 42nd minute, Ilija "Spaso" Spasojevic added to Bali United's advantage nicely so that it increased the score to 2-1.

The goal came from Melvin Platje's pass into the penalty area which was completed with a header by Spaso which made the score last until the first half ended.

Entering the second half, Barito Putera almost scored in the 53rd minute, but unfortunately senior midfielder Bayu Pradana's shot hit the crossbar.

Melvin Platje also had a golden opportunity in the 77th minute, but the shot into the top corner was still able to be caught by goalkeeper M Riyandi.

Until the end of the match, no additional goals were scored by both teams so the score ended 2-1 in Bali United's victory.

Before competing in Liga 1 for the 2021/2022 season, the two teams had met during the "Tour de Java" held by Bali United last June.

At that time, the Bali United squad had to admit the superiority of Djajang Nurdjaman's team by losing two goals without reply.

The line-up for the Barito Putera vs Bali United match:

Barito Putera: M Riyandi; Rifky Suryawan, Azamat Baymatov, Dandi Maulana, Bagas Kaffa, Bayu Pradana, Luthfi Kamal, Rafinha, Ambrizal Umanailo, Rizky Pora, Aleksandar Rakic.

Bali United; Wawan Hendrawan, Michael Orah, William Pachecho, Leo Tupamahu, Andhika Wijaya, Brwa Nouri, I Kadek Agung Widnyana, Rizky Pellu, Melvin Platje, Ilija Spasojevic, Yabes Roni.