Persib Reach ACL Two Round of 16: Tolic Admits It Was Unexpected, Now Focused on Keeping the Tradition

Persib Bandung secured their place in the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two 2026/2027 after defeating hosts Melbourne Victory 2-1. The win at the opponent's ground not only sealed the ticket but also placed Maung Bandung at the top of the final Group E standings with 12 points.

For coach Igor Tolic, the result was almost unimaginable. Since the group draw, Persib were not the favored team. Group E featured FC Seoul, considered more established, as well as The Cong Viettel, who have a tradition in Asian competition. “This is completely beyond expectations. We worked hard, created the right environment, and respected each other,” Tolic said after the match, as quoted by national sports media.

The key to Persib's success lay in the win in their opening match. Although FC Seoul fielded young players at the time, those first three points built the squad's confidence. Since then, Persib's organization of play—especially at the back—began to take shape. The duels against The Cong Viettel and Melbourne Victory proved that a tight defense can be the foundation for effective counterattacks.

Interestingly, Tolic admitted that his team played with low pressure because they only needed one point. That condition gave him room to set the strategy and take measured risks. “We could adjust our play, and the players performed more calmly,” added the Croatian coach. Nevertheless, he stressed that risks were still taken at certain moments, and that decision paid off positively.

“We have been underdogs from the start. The quality of the other teams is very good. Now we can't wait to see what happens in the next round,” Tolic said.

Persib's achievement is not just the story of one club. Amid increasingly tight competition in Asian football, an Indonesian team's success in reaching the knockout stage of a continental club competition signals that the gap with established teams is narrowing. However, the real test has only just begun. The round of 16 will pit Persib against higher-level opponents, and squad rotation will be a challenge of its own.

Just as important, Persib have little time to rest on their laurels. From Melbourne, the squad heads straight to Semarang to face Java United FC in the ninth week of the BRI Super League 2026/2027, Sunday (8/11/2026) night at Stadion Jatidiri. This packed schedule tests the team's depth and Tolic's ability to rotate players without losing momentum.

The success in ACL Two also affects public perception of the domestic league. If Indonesian clubs can be consistent in Asia, the appeal of the competition and the market value of local players will rise as well. Conversely, a defeat in the knockout stage could raise questions about the readiness of club infrastructure and management. How Persib manage this euphoria will determine the direction of their season—and may become a barometer for other Indonesian clubs.