Madura United Ends Brutal Winless Streak With Hard-Fought Victory Over Persik Kediri
Madura United finally found their way back to the winner’s circle on Saturday, securing a pivotal 2-1 victory over Persik Kediri at Stadion Gelora Bangkalan. The result marks the end of a grueling 11-match drought for the Laskar Sape Kerrab, providing a much-needed lifeline in their battle for survival in the Super League 2025/2026.
For the home crowd in Madura, the win was more than just three points. it was a release of tension that had been building since late last year. Before Saturday’s clash, Madura United had failed to secure a full set of points in 11 consecutive outings. To find their last victory, one has to look back to December 28, 2025, when they edged out Semen Padang FC 2-1.
This victory effectively snaps a winless streak that spanned the turn of the calendar year, marking their first win of 2026 and lifting the club out of the relegation zone.
Match Breakdown: Resilience in Bangkalan
The contest began with Persik Kediri asserting dominance. Despite being the visitors, the “Macan Putih” controlled the early tempo, creating several dangerous opportunities. The most prominent threat came in the 14th minute via a strike from Muhamad Firli that forced the Madura United defense into a high-alert state.
As the first half progressed, Madura United gradually reclaimed the initiative. Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Fransiskus Alesandro broke the deadlock, slotting home the opening goal to grant the hosts a 1-0 lead. While Madura struggled to add a second before the interval, they maintained a disciplined defensive shape to carry the lead into the locker room.
The second half saw a shift in aggression from Persik Kediri. The visitors pushed higher up the pitch, searching for an equalizer. Their pressure culminated in the 62nd minute when Gusti Rendi found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 and threatening to derail Madura’s momentum.
However, the Laskar Sape Kerrab refused to settle for a draw. In the 72nd minute, Riquelme Sousa emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal to restore the lead. Madura United held firm for the remaining twenty minutes to secure the 2-1 result.
Tactical Setup and Personnel
Coach Rakhmat Basuki deployed a 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing a balanced midfield to weather Persik’s early storm. The defensive line, anchored by Pedro Monteiro and Roger Bonet, proved resilient under pressure.
Madura United Starting XI:
Diky Indriyana; Giovani Numberi, Ahmad Rusadi, Pedro Monteiro, Roger Bonet; Fransiskus Alesandro, Kerim Palic, Jordy Wehrmann, Iran Junior; Lulinha, Jose Brandao.
On the opposing side, Marcos Reina opted for a 4-2-3-1 system, utilizing the creativity of Adrian Luna and Jon Toral to feed Jose Enrique. While Persik controlled significant portions of the ball, they lacked the clinical edge required to overturn the lead in the closing stages.
Persik Kediri Starting XI:
Leonardo Navacchio; Gusti Rendi, Jesus Meneses, Muhamad Firli, Rezaldi Hehanusa; Al Hamra Hehanusa, Imanol Garcia; Ernesto Gomez, Jon Toral, Adrian Luna; Jose Enrique.
The Bigger Picture: Escaping the Drop
The implications of this result extend beyond the match statistics. By securing these three points in week 27, Madura United has successfully climbed out of the relegation zone. For a team that had forgotten how to win for nearly four months, the psychological boost is immeasurable.
The gap between December’s win and April’s victory highlights a period of extreme instability for the club. However, the ability to hold off a motivated Persik Kediri side suggests a return of the competitive grit necessary to maintain their top-flight status.
For readers following the league table, this shift is critical. In a tight race at the bottom of the Super League, a single win can be the difference between safety and a relegation scrap in the final weeks of the season.
Looking Ahead
With the weight of the winless streak finally lifted, Madura United will look to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the 2025/2026 campaign. The team now possesses a blueprint for victory: absorbing early pressure and capitalizing on key moments of efficiency.
The Super League action continues with several high-stakes matchups. Other key fixtures in the current window include Persija Jakarta versus Persebaya Surabaya and Malut United facing Dewa United.
Do you think Madura United has done enough to guarantee their safety for next season, or is this just a momentary reprieve? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
