Arema FC 3-1 PSIM Yogyakarta: Singo Edan Roar Back at Kanjuruhan

Arema FC delivered a commanding performance at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on 22 May 2026, defeating PSIM Yogyakarta 3-1 in an entertaining Indonesian Liga 1 encounter. The victory lifted the hosts into the top half of the table and exposed the defensive frailties of a PSIM side that has struggled on the road this season.

Match Overview

Played under clear skies in Malang, the match saw Arema dominate possession from the first whistle. The home side, backed by a vocal crowd, pressed high and forced PSIM into errors throughout the first half. A fast start saw Arema take the lead inside 10 minutes, and although PSIM equalised midway through the half, the hosts regained control before the break and never looked back.

Key Moments

• 7’ – Goal! Arema’s Brazilian striker Waguininho latched onto a through ball from Dedik Setiawan and slotted past the keeper to make it 1-0.
• 23’ – Equaliser! PSIM’s wing-back Ahmad Bustomi volleyed home from a corner after Arema failed to clear their lines. 1-1.
• 34’ – Goal! Dedik Setiawan restored the lead with a powerful header from a Jayus Hariono cross. 2-1.
• 68’ – Goal! Substitute Rafli Diansyah sealed the win with a cool finish after a counter-attack orchestrated by Waguininho. 3-1.

Tactical Story

Arema head coach Widodo C. Putro deployed a 4-3-3 formation that focused on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks. Jayus Hariono and Dendi Santoso provided width, pinning PSIM’s wing-backs deep. PSIM, set up in a 3-5-2, tried to dominate midfield but were often caught out by Arema’s speed on the break. The visitors’ inability to track runs from midfield allowed Dedik Setiawan and Waguininho to find space between the lines.

PSIM’s equaliser came from a set-piece – their only clear chance of the half – but Arema tightened up defensively after the break. Goalkeeper Teguh Amiruddin made a crucial save in the 55th minute to deny PSIM’s top scorer Arif Setiawan, which proved a turning point.

Standout Players

• Waguininho (Arema): A constant threat with his movement and dribbling. One goal and one assist, and he could have had a hat-trick if not for the woodwork in the 40th minute.
• Dedik Setiawan (Arema): The veteran striker scored a key header and worked tirelessly to link play. His experience was vital in keeping PSIM’s defence honest.
• Ahmad Bustomi (PSIM): Scored a fine equaliser and was the visitors’ best outlet, but received little support from his midfield after the break.

Season Impact

The win moved Arema up to 7th place in the Liga 1 standings with 24 points from 14 matches, keeping them within striking distance of the top four. For PSIM, the defeat was their fourth in six away games this season and left them hovering just above the relegation zone in 14th place. The result also extended Arema’s unbeaten home run to five matches at Kanjuruhan.

Arema will next travel to face Persija Jakarta, while PSIM host title contenders Persib Bandung in a crucial fixture for their survival hopes.