Persib Bandung secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Isenmulang Kalteng FC on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. The win, propelled by goals from Mariano Peralta, Luka Menalo, and a late strike from Marc Klok, lifted Maung Bandung to fifth place in the Super League standings, just two points behind leaders Persija Jakarta.
Persib’s commanding performance came despite head coach Igor Tolic serving a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Assistant coach Zlatko Runje confirmed the team’s focus remained on securing all three points at home, emphasizing preparation over underestimating an opponent Runje described as “good and very dangerous.”
Persib’s Strong Start and Key Goals
The home team set the tone early, breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute through Mariano Peralta. The strike gave Persib an early advantage and settled the nerves of the home crowd. The lead was doubled before halftime, as Luka Menalo found the net twice in the space of eight minutes, scoring on the 35th and 43rd minutes. The two-goal performance from Menalo effectively put the game out of reach before the break.
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Isenmulang Kalteng FC, a club from Central Kalimantan, struggled to create consistent chances against the organized Persib defense. The visitors were unable to find a response, leaving them with a significant deficit heading into the second half.
Second Half and Klok’s Decisive Finish
The second half saw Persib continue to control the tempo of the match. While the intensity of the attack was slightly lessened in the final third, the home side remained in firm command. The main storyline of the period was the return of captain Marc Klok to the starting lineup.
Klok, who had missed the previous two matches—one due to rest and another due to suspension—was instrumental in the midfield. His performance culminated in the 86th minute when he scored a goal, putting the final nail in the coffin for Isenmulang. The goal was a deserved reward for Klok, who had expressed his readiness to return prior to the match. “I am very ready.”
Impact on the Super League Standings
The 4-0 victory had a significant impact on the Super League 2026/2027 standings. Persib moved up to fifth place with 16 points from eight matches, leapfrogging Madura United and Bali United, who also have 16 points but are ranked third and fourth respectively due to goal difference.
Persija Jakarta remains at the top with 18 points, while Dewa United is second with 17. The result puts Persib firmly in the mix for the title race, trailing the first-placed team by just two points. As ILeague.id reported, assistant coach Zlatko Runje acknowledged the tight competition, stating, “This is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We want to put pressure on the teams above us.”
Runje Details Tactical Strategy
While Tolic was absent on the touchline, his tactical instructions were clearly executed. Runje explained that the coaching staff’s strategy was to focus on their own team’s quality and tactical implementation, a method he described as rooted in respect for the opponent. “My view is that I focus more on our own team, our quality, our squad, and our idea of how we want to play,” Runje said. “But this is always based on respect for the opponent because they are a good team and can be very dangerous.”
On the opposing side, Isenmulang head coach Mundari Karya admitted his team came with high motivation but acknowledged the challenge of facing the defending champions. He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and a strong mentality against a high-quality opponent. “The players are certainly motivated to play against the best team in Indonesia,” Mundari noted, pointing to teamwork and mental fortitude as key areas for his players to focus on.
Mutombo Continues Injury Recovery
Persib’s lineup was without forward Gabriel Mutombo, who continues his recovery from an injury. Runje stated that the club is being cautious with the player’s return, prioritizing his full recovery over rushing him back. “We are a bit careful with him and do not want to force a player who is injured because we need all the players,” Runje explained, adding that the team currently has good options in that position.
The starting lineup saw several key players confirmed from the outset. Alongside Klok and Peralta, Ragnar Oratmangoen was also named in the starting eleven. Indonesian national team midfielder Thom Haye began the match on the bench, a decision that did not impact the team’s positive outcome.
What’s Next for Both Teams
For Persib Bandung, the focus now shifts to maintaining their upward momentum in the title race. The victory over Isenmulang has proven their ability to compete with the league’s elite, and the team will look to continue putting pressure on the teams above them in the standings.
Isenmulang Kalteng FC, meanwhile, will look to regroup from the heavy defeat. Despite the loss, coach Mundari Karya’s belief in his team’s ability to compete in the top flight remains. They will seek to bounce back in their next fixture and secure a result that can reignite their season.
