Arema FC Dominates Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar with Commanding 3-0 Victory

A relentless Arema FC side delivered a statement performance in the Indonesian Liga 1 on May 9, 2026, sweeping aside Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at their home fortress. The result keeps Arema firmly in the hunt for the upper echelons of the Liga 1 standings, while Makassar was left to rue a disjointed display that never threatened the hosts' dominance.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Arema FC seized control of the midfield and pressed high, forcing Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar into frequent errors. The home side's attacking intensity paid off early, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. By the final whistle, Arema had not only secured three points but also a clean sheet that underlined their defensive solidity.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Arema FC 1-0: A swift counter-attack saw striker Dedik Setiawan slot home after a precise through-ball from midfielder Rizky Dwi, catching the Makassar defense flat-footed.
• 38th minute – Arema FC 2-0: Winger Muhammad Rafli doubled the lead with a curling effort from the edge of the box that beat the goalkeeper at his near post, a goal that showcased the team's technical quality.
• 67th minute – Arema FC 3-0: Substitute Hanif Sjahbandi capped a brilliant team move, tapping in from close range after a low cross from the right flank, extinguishing any hopes of a Makassar comeback.

Tactical Story

Arema FC employed a fluid 4-3-3 formation that overloaded the Makassar midfield, forcing the visitors into a defensive shell. The home side's full-backs pushed high, pinning Makassar's wingers back and creating numerical advantages in wide areas. In contrast, Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar struggled to string passes together and rarely tested Arema's goalkeeper, with their lone shot on target coming from a speculative long-range effort.

Standout Players

Rizky Dwi was the engine in midfield, dictating tempo and completing over 90% of his passes, while also providing the assist for the opener. Center-back Jordi Amat marshaled the defense with authority, winning every aerial duel and cutting out danger before it developed. For Makassar, goalkeeper Rivky Mokodompit made several sharp saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided.

Season Impact

This result propels Arema FC into the top four of the Liga 1 standings, narrowing the gap to the league leaders. For Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar, the defeat is a setback in their mid-table ambitions, highlighting a lack of creativity in the final third that must be addressed if they are to challenge for a playoff spot. With the season approaching its halfway point, Arema's form signals they are genuine contenders.