Persib Bandung defeated host Melbourne Victory 2-1 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at AAMI Park, securing a place in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) round of 16.
The result keeps the Indonesian club perfect in Group E, having collected 12 points from four consecutive victories. With this win, the squad managed by Igor Tolic has officially secured their knockout stage ticket, repeating the team’s success from last season.
The win at AAMI Park marks the first time an Indonesian club has won an official match on Australian soil, according to reporting by VIVA.co.id. By clinching the top spot in the group, Persib Bandung has moved past the group stage with two matches remaining. This perfect run means the team has not lost a single point across their four opening fixtures.
Dramatis Comeback at AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory took the lead in the 71st minute following an own goal by defender Julio Cesar, which occurred after a blunder by goalkeeper Fitrah Maulana. The goalkeeper had misjudged an aerial ball, allowing Brendan Hamill to capitalize on the loose play before Cesar’s unfortunate touch.
Persib responded in the 85th minute when Luka Menalo scored the equalizer. Balsa Sekulic then secured the win in the 90th minute, converting a cross from Mariano Peralta to finalize the 2-1 result. This marked Sekulic’s third goal of the tournament, following his previous brace against the same opponent in Bandung.
Financial Impact of Tournament Success
Under the official regulations of the ACL 2, specifically Article 52.6, Persib is entitled to a total contribution of 580,000 USD, or approximately Rp10,53 miliar, according to VIVA.co.id and Spiritbangsa.com.
This total is composed of three distinct financial components:
- 300,000 USD (Rp5,44 miliar) for group stage participation.
- 200,000 USD (Rp3,63 miliar) in accumulated bonuses for four group stage wins.
- 80,000 USD (Rp1,45 miliar) in additional funding for securing a spot in the round of 16.
Potential Round of 16 Opponents
As the leader of Group E, Persib will be paired with a runner-up from the other Eastern Zone groups (F, G, or H) during the knockout stage draw. The round of 16 is scheduled to take place in February 2027.
According to Spiritbangsa.com, three clubs are currently positioned as potential opponents:
- Adelaide United (runner-up of Group F)
- Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng (runner-up of Group G)
- Gangwon FC (runner-up of Group H)
Remaining Group Stage Schedule
With their spot in the next round already guaranteed, Persib Bandung enters the final two matchdays with a secure position in the standings. The team is scheduled to host FC Seoul in Bandung before traveling to Vietnam to face The Cong-Viettel in the final match of the group stage. This early qualification provides Igor Tolic the flexibility to manage player rotations in the remaining games.
