Bandung, Indonesia – Ratchaburi Mitrphol carry a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead into the second leg of their AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 tie against Persib Bandung on , at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. The match, kicking off at 7:15 AM local time, presents a significant uphill battle for Persib, who must overcome the first-leg deficit and a motivated Ratchaburi side.
The first leg, played on , saw Ratchaburi dominate Persib with a decisive 3-0 victory. This result places immense pressure on the Indonesian side to deliver a performance of the highest caliber on their home turf. The aggregate scoreline underscores the challenge facing Persib, requiring not only a win but a substantial one to advance to the quarter-finals.
Persib will be playing for more than just progression in the tournament. A failure to overturn the first-leg result would represent a disappointing outcome for the club and its supporters, particularly given their home advantage in the return fixture. The team will need to demonstrate significant improvement in both attack and defense to have any chance of success.
Ratchaburi, arrive in Bandung in a confident mood. Their first-leg performance showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They will be aiming to maintain their composure and tactical discipline to see out the tie and secure their place in the next round. The Thai club will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on minimizing risks and capitalizing on any opportunities that arise.
The match odds, as of , reflect Ratchaburi’s favorable position. Persib are listed at -170 on the moneyline, while Ratchaburi are at +140. The goal spread has Persib at -1.5, with odds of +140, and Ratchaburi at +1.5 with odds of -195. The over/under total is set at 2.5 goals, with odds of -130 for over and -105 for under.
Key players for Persib include forward A Jung (7 matches, 4 goals), midfielder M Klok (6 matches, 2 assists), and forward Uilliam (7 matches, 1 goal). Persib will need these players to be at their best if they are to stand any chance of overturning the deficit. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and convert them into goals will be crucial.
Ratchaburi will look to the contributions of midfielder C Poomkeaw (4 matches, 2 assists), midfielder J Curran (7 matches, 1 assist), and forward Denílson (7 matches, 5 goals). Denílson’s goal-scoring form will be particularly important for Ratchaburi as they look to add to their aggregate lead and potentially seal the tie.
The knockout stage of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two began on , and will continue through to . The competition features 16 teams competing in a single-elimination format, split by region. The final will be played as a single match, hosted by a team from the West Region.
The draw for the knockout stage was held on . The Round of 16 matches are being played between and . The quarter-finals are scheduled for March 3-5 and March 10-12, 2026, followed by the semi-finals on April 7-8 and April 14-15, 2026.
Beyond this match, the AFC Champions League Two has seen other notable developments. Alexandré Pölking, coach of Công An Hà Nội, recently addressed concerns regarding administrative issues involving suspended players, calling for improved communication from the Asian Football Confederation. The competition continues to highlight the growing strength and competitiveness of Asian club football.
For Persib Bandung, today’s match represents a critical juncture. They need a significant shift in performance and a touch of fortune to overcome the first-leg deficit and keep their Champions League Two aspirations alive. Ratchaburi, meanwhile, will be focused on maintaining their advantage and progressing to the quarter-finals, building on their already impressive showing in the competition.
