Liga 1 Recap: Bali United Misses the Top Spot After a 0-2 Defeat to PSBS

Liga 1 Recap: Bali United Misses the Top Spot After a 0-2 Defeat to PSBS

Gianyar  — In a surprising twist, PSBS Biak handed Bali United a 0-2 defeat in their tenth-week Liga 1 clash held at I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar on Sunday afternoon. Bali United, arriving with hopes to climb to the top of the leaderboard, found their dreams dashed by a resilient PSBS squad that refused to back down.

 First Half: Bali United’s Strong Start Meets PSBS’ Unbreakable Defense

The game kicked off with Bali United on the offensive, hoping to strike early. Their attack was relentless, with Privat Mbarga, Mitsuru Maruoka, and Irfan Jaya leading a series of rapid attempts. These three stars showcased their speed and technical skill, but PSBS’s defense held steady, thanks to the unwavering commitment of defenders Fabiano Beltrame and Julian Velazquez.

As Bali United pushed forward, PSBS goalkeeper John Pigai stood as a wall, making critical saves to keep his team in the game. Pigai's confidence under pressure was complemented by Beltrame and Velazquez, whose solid defense ensured that Bali’s attackers couldn’t find an easy route to the goal.

PSBS Strikes Back: Building Momentum and Patience

Gradually, PSBS found their rhythm. Jeam Kelly Sroyer, Takuya Matsunaga, Armando Oropa, Lugo Ladera, and Alexsandro brought creativity and energy, allowing PSBS to make progress against Bali United’s backline. Each player took turns pushing Bali's defenders to stay vigilant and forcing Bali's keeper, Adilson, to be constantly on alert.

Bali United attempted to keep PSBS contained, but their defense couldn’t stop every opportunity. PSBS’s strategy grew clearer as the game wore on—they planned to use set pieces to their advantage. When Bali couldn’t break through, PSBS capitalized on their chance with a free kick. Lugo Ladera, known for his powerful left foot, sent a stunning free-kick into Bali’s net in the 42nd minute, giving PSBS a thrilling 1-0 lead just before halftime.

Bali United’s Struggle to Equalize

Determined to bounce back, Bali United came out in the second half with renewed energy. They created numerous scoring opportunities, but luck was not on their side. Time after time, PSBS defenders blocked their attempts, leaving Bali frustrated as each shot failed to hit the back of the net.

Coach Teco Cugurra pushed his players forward, but both open plays and set-piece strategies yielded no results. PSBS, on the other hand, continued to take chances. They didn’t just sit back in defense, but instead took every opportunity to counterattack, with Takuya Matsunaga coming close to scoring with a fierce shot that Adilson barely managed to deflect.

Sealing the Deal: PSBS’s Second Goal

PSBS secured their victory with a decisive second goal in the 75th minute. Alexsandro completed a beautiful assist from Lugo, sending a precise shot that left Bali’s goalkeeper with no chance. This goal sealed the score at 2-0, and PSBS celebrated what would be an impactful win over a top-ranking team.

As the final whistle blew, PSBS players rejoiced at their well-earned victory, while Bali United had to accept a tough defeat. For PSBS, this win marked a rise in the rankings, moving them up from the tenth position, signaling their potential to challenge more big teams this season.

Bali United’s Setback: Missing the Top Spot

For Bali United, this game was more than just a regular season match—it was a missed opportunity. Prior to the game, they stood within striking distance of the top Liga 1 leaderboard. A win would have propelled them to the summit, but the defeat now holds them in fourth place with 20 points, just behind Borneo (21 points), Persebaya Surabaya (20 points), and Persib Bandung (20 points).

This loss is a reminder that even top teams can face setbacks when the opposition brings determination and tactical skill to the pitch. Bali United will need to regroup, analyze their strategies, and come back stronger in their upcoming matches to keep their championship aspirations alive.

 Lineups

Here’s how the two teams lined up:

• PSBS Biak: John Pigai; M Tahir, Julian Velazquez, Fabiano Beltrame, Febrianto Uropmabin; Armando Oropa, Lugo Ladera, Jonatan Machado, Jeam Kelly Sroyer; Takuya Matsunaga; Alexsandro.

• Bali United: Adilson; Andika Wijaya, Elias Dolah, Brandon Wilson, Ricky Fajrin; Kadek Agung, Mitsuru Maruoka, Made Tito; Privat Mbarga, Everton Nascimento, Irfan Jaya.

What’s Next for Bali United?

Bali United’s fans may feel disappointed, but the season is far from over. With 20 points, they are still within reach of the top, and there’s plenty of time for them to regain momentum. Meanwhile, PSBS’s victory is a testament to their growth and ambition in the league. This game serves as a reminder that in football, surprises await at every turn, and every team has the potential to shine.


In the world of Liga 1, this upset is sure to fuel discussions, strategies, and excitement for the rest of the season. The journey to the top is a challenging one, and both Bali United and PSBS are proving that each game is an opportunity to showcase resilience, skill, and the passion that makes football a thrilling sport.

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