Arema FC’s much-anticipated comeback match at Stadion Kanjuruhan ended in disappointment. The Singo Edan were soundly defeated by Persik Kediri with a score of 0-3 in the 32nd week of Liga 1 2024/25.
Playing in front of their home supporters on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, Arema started strongly. Arkhan Fikri and his teammates created several promising opportunities in the first 25 minutes.
Dominasi Awal Arema yang Sia-sia
Arema’s attacking prowess was evident early on. Dalberto Luan had an early chance, but his shot was saved by Persik’s goalkeeper, Leonardo Navacchio.
Ten minutes later, Thales Natanael’s header from an Arkhan Fikri free-kick missed the target. Dalberto Luan had another chance thwarted by Navacchio’s save.
Despite controlling possession and creating chances, Arema’s efforts proved fruitless.
Gol Cepat Persik dan Kartu Merah Arema
Against the run of play, Persik took the lead in the 25th minute. Vava Mario Yagalo headed home a brilliant rabona pass from Jose Pedro, also known as Ze Valente.
Arema continued to press for an equalizer after conceding the goal, but their attacks were unsuccessful.
Early in the second half, Arema coach Ze Gomes made a triple substitution, bringing on Dendy Santoso, Charles Lokoli Ngoy, and Samuel Gideon in an attempt to turn the tide.
A golden opportunity presented itself to Charles Lokoli, but he failed to capitalize on a good cross. The situation worsened significantly for Arema in the 61st minute.
Ahmad Alfarizi was sent off after a VAR review confirmed a foul. This left Arema a man down.
Persik Manfaatkan Keunggulan Pemain
Persik capitalized on their numerical advantage. Ramiro Fergonzi scored their second goal in the 72nd minute on a counter-attack.
Dalberto Luan had yet another chance, a header from a Dendy Santoso cross in the 79th minute, but his effort was easily saved by Leo.
Ze Valente secured Persik’s third goal in the 83rd minute with a rebound from his own shot. The 3-0 scoreline remained until the final whistle.
The result leaves Arema in 10th place with 46 points, while Persik remains in 12th place with 40 points.
Analisis Pertandingan dan Poin Penting
Arema’s inability to convert their numerous chances proved costly. Their early dominance was ultimately undone by Persik’s clinical finishing and Arema’s numerical disadvantage.
The sending off of Ahmad Alfarizi was a significant turning point in the match, shifting the momentum decisively in Persik’s favour.
Persik’s effective counter-attacking strategy exposed Arema’s defensive vulnerabilities after the red card. The match highlighted the importance of both clinical finishing and maintaining discipline.
Despite the disappointing result, Arema will need to focus on improving their finishing and defensive solidity moving forward in the season.
The performance also underscored the unpredictable nature of football, where a strong start does not guarantee a positive outcome.
Susunan pemain
Arema FC: 31-Lucas Frigeri; 19-Achmad Maulana, 5-Thales Natanael, 6-Sneyder Julian, 87-Ahmad Alfarizi; 30-Salim Akbar (Dendy Santoso 46′), 8-Arkhan Fikri, 67-Mochamad Shulton (Charles Lokoli Ngoy 46′), 27-Dedik Setiawan; 94-Dalberto Luan, 24-Muhammad Rafli (Samuel Gideon 46′)
Persik Kediri: 1-Leonardo Navacchio; 78-Vava Mario (Brendon Lucas 41′), 3-Francisco Pereira, 16-Al Hamar Hehanussa, 7-Yusuf Meilana; 6-Krisna Bayu, 11-Ardy Eko Jayanto (Ousmane Fane 79′), 28-Hugo Samir, 10-Jose Pedro, 21-Riyatno Abiyoso; 9-Ramiro Fergonzi.
Kekalahan ini menjadi pelajaran berharga bagi Arema FC untuk meningkatkan performa di pertandingan selanjutnya. Kemampuan memanfaatkan peluang dan menjaga disiplin menjadi kunci keberhasilan di Liga 1.
