Persib Bandung opened their AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2026–2027 Group E campaign with a 1-0 away victory over FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, according to reports from VIVA.co.id. Managed by Igor Tolic, the Indonesian side secured all three points thanks to an early goal from Julio Cesar on September 16, 2026, withstanding heavy pressure from the South Korean hosts throughout the match.
Julio Cesar Early Goal Sets the Tone
Persib started the match proactively, taking the lead in just the fifth minute, as reported by VIVA.co.id. Marc Klok delivered an accurate corner kick into the box, which Julio Cesar met with a sharp header from a tight angle. The effort beat FC Seoul goalkeeper Kang Hyeon-mu, giving the visitors a crucial 1-0 advantage.
Following the setback, FC Seoul pushed numbers forward to find an equalizer. The hosts created several chances through players like Lee Han-Do, Lee Sang-min, and Jeong Hyun-Woo, but failed to convert. Meanwhile, Persib maintained a balanced approach, registering 55 percent possession in the first half compared to FC Seoul’s 45 percent, according to match statistics cited by VIVA.co.id.
Teja Paku Alam Heroics Repel FC Seoul Pressure
The second half saw FC Seoul dominate possession and apply persistent pressure, particularly around the hour mark. In the 62nd minute, Moon Seon-min connected with a cross from the left wing to head toward goal, but Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam produced a vital save to keep his clean sheet intact.
“Teja Paku Alam tampil baik di bawah mistar gawang Persib dengan melakukan sejumlah penyelamatan penting,” noted VIVA.co.id regarding the goalkeeper’s standout performance under heavy bombardment.
Tactical Shifts and Defensive Resilience
Both benches utilized substitutions to alter the momentum as fatigue set in. FC Seoul introduced players like Patryk Klimala and Yazan Al Arab, while Persib brought on fresh legs including Beckham Putra, Mariano Peralta, and Dedi Kusnandar.
Despite FC Seoul outshooting Persib six attempts to three—with three shots on target for the hosts and one for the visitors—the Indonesian defense held firm. In the 89th minute, a promising counter-attack led by Peralta nearly unlocked the home defense again, though Beckham Putra narrowly missed the final cross. Five minutes of stoppage time elapsed without a change to the scoreline, sealing the 1-0 victory for the visitors.
Group Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The squad prepares next to face Vietnamese side The Chong Viettel on October 14, 2026.
Did you know?
FC Seoul entered the match with a squad market value exceeding Rp178 billion, highlighting the competitive gap that Persib successfully navigated during their opening group fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Persib Bandung against FC Seoul?
Julio Cesar scored the only goal of the match in the fifth minute via a header from a Marc Klok corner kick.
When is Persib Bandung’s next AFC Champions League Two match?
Persib will play against The Chong Viettel of Vietnam on October 14, 2026.
Who stood out defensively for Persib during the match?
Goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam delivered a stellar performance, making multiple crucial saves to deny FC Seoul’s attacking waves.
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