Persebaya Surabaya continued their strong home form in Indonesian Liga 1 with a 3-1 victory over Madura United on 26 October 2026. In a match filled with derby intensity and quick transitions, Persebaya’s sharper finishing and superior control in midfield made the difference, giving the hosts a valuable three points in front of their supporters.
Match overview
The contest at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium was played at a high tempo from the opening whistle. Persebaya Surabaya looked determined to impose themselves early, pressing Madura United’s defenders and looking to win the ball high up the pitch. That approach paid off as the home side built a lead and forced Madura to chase the game.
- Fixture: Persebaya Surabaya vs Madura United
- Competition: Indonesian Liga 1
- Date: 26 October 2026, 20:00 local time
- Full-time score: Persebaya Surabaya 3-1 Madura United
Key moments
Persebaya opened the scoring after a sustained spell of pressure, with their midfield finding space between the lines and releasing an attacker into the box. The second goal arrived before the interval and gave the hosts breathing room, though Madura United responded well and pulled one back to keep the match alive.
After half-time, the game became more stretched. Madura pushed players forward in search of an equaliser, but that left gaps for Persebaya to exploit. The hosts sealed the win with a third goal in the second half, finishing off a counter-attacking move that underlined their speed and decision-making in the final third.
Tactical story
Persebaya’s midfield was the engine of the performance. They pressed in coordinated waves, forced turnovers, and moved the ball quickly to the wide areas, where Madura United struggled to defend crosses and cutbacks. The home side also managed the game well after taking the lead, knowing when to slow the tempo and when to attack directly.
Madura United had spells of possession and created moments of danger, especially after their goal, but they could not match Persebaya’s efficiency. Their defensive line was stretched too often, and the space between midfield and defence allowed Persebaya to play forward with relative ease.
Standout performers
Persebaya’s attacking players deserved much of the praise, but the team’s control came from a disciplined midfield display and a defence that stood firm during Madura’s best spell. The goalkeeper also dealt with several crosses and set pieces to protect the lead. For Madura United, the goal was a bright moment, but individual defensive errors prevented them from turning pressure into a positive result.
What the result means
The win gives Persebaya Surabaya another important boost in the Indonesian Liga 1 standings and reinforces their reputation as a difficult team to beat at home. Madura United remain with work to do, particularly in defensive transitions, but their second-half response showed enough attacking intent to suggest they can recover quickly. For Persebaya, the focus will now be on carrying this level of intensity into their next fixture.

