Dewa United and Persib Bandung Draw 2-2 as Title Race Heats Up

Dewa United and Persib Bandung played to a 2-2 draw in a tightly contested Liga 1 Super League match held at Banten International Stadium on April 20, 2026. The result kept both clubs in the upper echelon of the standings, with Persib maintaining a narrow lead over Borneo FC amid a highly competitive race for the top positions.

The match began with Dewa United striking first in the 23rd minute through a goal by Alex Martins, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the home side ahead 1-0. Persib responded before halftime, with Noah Sadaoui equalizing in the 38th minute after a well-worked team move that saw him slot the ball past the Dewa United goalkeeper.

In the second half, Persib took the lead for the first time when Johnathan Pereira converted a penalty in the 61st minute following a handball decision inside the box. However, Dewa United refused to yield, and Brian Fatari leveled the score in the 79th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick, ensuring the points were shared.

Both teams created chances throughout the match, with Persib enjoying greater possession but Dewa United posing a consistent threat on the counterattack. Goalkeepers from both sides were tested, particularly in the final ten minutes as each team pushed for a winner. Despite late pressure, neither side could find a decisive goal, resulting in a fair outcome based on the flow of play.

The draw meant Persib Bandung remained at the top of the Liga 1 Super League table, though their lead over Borneo FC was reduced to just one point. Dewa United’s performance reinforced their position in the top four, keeping them within striking distance of the summit and highlighting their growing consistency under pressure.

Post-match, Persib’s head coach acknowledged the resilience shown by Dewa United, noting that earning a point away from home against a well-organized side was a positive result. Dewa United’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the full 90 minutes, particularly after taking the lead twice, and viewed the performance as a step forward in their campaign.

Individual performances stood out, with Alex Martins continuing his impressive goal-scoring form and Brian Fatari proving crucial in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations. For Persib, Noah Sadaoui and Johnathan Pereira were influential in midfield and attack, while goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam made several key saves to preserve the draw.

The result contributed to an increasingly tight race at the top of the Liga 1 Super League, where only a few points separate the leading clubs. With several matches remaining in the season, both Dewa United and Persib will look to build on this performance as they aim for strong finishes in the league standings.