Super League Showdown: PSM Makassar and Persebaya Surabaya Clash in Crucial Mid-Table Encounter

Jakarta – The Indonesian Super League resumes today with a rescheduled fixture that pits PSM Makassar against Persebaya Surabaya in a potentially pivotal clash for both teams. The match, set to take place at the Gelora B.J Habibie Stadium in Parepare, South Sulawesi, is scheduled for a 7:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) kickoff on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

This encounter holds significant weight for both PSM and Persebaya as they strive to climb the Super League standings. Currently occupying mid-table positions, a victory for either side could provide a crucial boost in their quest for a higher finish in the league this season.

PSM Makassar, known as Juku Eja (The Red Fish), enters the match with a mixed record on their home turf this season. In six home games played so far, they have managed to secure two wins, drawn three times, and suffered one defeat. This inconsistent home form will be a concern for coach Bernardo Tavares as he seeks to transform Gelora B.J Habibie Stadium into a fortress.

Conversely, Persebaya Surabaya, nicknamed Bajul Ijo (The Green Crocodiles), have struggled on their travels this campaign. In six away matches, they have recorded only one victory, secured four draws, and endured one loss. Coach Aji Santoso will be keen to improve Persebaya’s away form if they are to challenge for a top-half finish in the Super League.

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PSM Makassar currently sit in eighth position in the league table with 18 points, while Persebaya Surabaya are just one place below them in ninth, with 17 points. The proximity of the two teams in the standings underscores the importance of this match in their respective ambitions for the season.

Looking back at their recent head-to-head record, Persebaya Surabaya hold a slight advantage over PSM Makassar in their last five encounters. Persebaya have emerged victorious twice, drawn twice, and lost once against PSM. This historical edge may give them a psychological boost heading into this crucial match.

Furthermore, Persebaya Surabaya have tasted success at the Gelora B.J Habibie Stadium in the recent past. In their previous visit to PSM’s home ground last season, Persebaya managed to secure a 1-0 victory. Coach Aji Santoso will be hoping that his team can replicate that performance and secure another valuable three points on the road.

The Gelora B.J Habibie Stadium, named after the late former President of Indonesia, B.J. Habibie, provides a vibrant and passionate atmosphere for football matches. The stadium, located in Parepare, a coastal city in South Sulawesi, is known for its vocal and enthusiastic fanbase, which will undoubtedly create a challenging environment for the visiting Persebaya Surabaya team.

PSM Makassar’s squad features a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Key players to watch out for include their captain and experienced defender, Zulkifli Syukur, who provides leadership and stability to the team’s backline. In midfield, Willem Jan Pluim, the Dutch playmaker, is known for his creative vision and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Upfront, Brazilian striker Everton Nascimento is the team’s leading goalscorer and will pose a constant threat to the Persebaya defense.

Persebaya Surabaya boasts a squad with a similar mix of experience and youth. Their captain and experienced midfielder, Muhammad Hidayat, is a vital cog in the team’s engine room, providing energy and steel to the midfield. Brazilian forward Silvio Junior is the team’s top scorer and will be looking to add to his goal tally against PSM Makassar. The young winger, Marselino Ferdinan, is a rising star in Indonesian football and his pace and trickery on the flanks could cause problems for the PSM defense.

Both teams have had their share of ups and downs in recent weeks. PSM Makassar have been struggling with consistency, alternating between impressive victories and disappointing defeats. Their most recent match saw them suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Persija Jakarta, a result that coach Bernardo Tavares will be eager to put behind them.

Persebaya Surabaya, on the other hand, have been on a slightly better run of form, having won two of their last three matches. Their most recent game saw them secure a comfortable 3-1 victory over Persik Kediri, a result that will have boosted their confidence heading into this crucial clash against PSM Makassar.

The tactical approach of both coaches will be intriguing to observe. PSM Makassar, under the guidance of Bernardo Tavares, are known for their disciplined defensive structure and their ability to counter-attack with pace and precision. They typically employ a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks.

Persebaya Surabaya, coached by Aji Santoso, are known for their attacking style of play and their willingness to take risks in the final third. They usually line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a focus on dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities through intricate passing movements.

The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to secure a vital victory. The midfield battle will be crucial, with the likes of Willem Jan Pluim for PSM Makassar and Muhammad Hidayat for Persebaya Surabaya looking to assert their dominance. The effectiveness of the strikers, Everton Nascimento for PSM Makassar and Silvio Junior for Persebaya Surabaya, will also be key to determining the outcome of the match.

The referee for the match is yet to be announced, but it is expected that a highly experienced official will be appointed to ensure fair play and maintain control of the game.

The weather forecast for Parepare on Saturday evening predicts clear skies and moderate temperatures, which should provide ideal conditions for football.

The match will be broadcast live on Indosiar, one of Indonesia’s leading television channels, allowing fans across the country to follow the action. Live streaming will also be available on various online platforms.

Beyond the immediate implications for the league table, this match carries significant weight for both PSM Makassar and Persebaya Surabaya in terms of their overall ambitions for the season. A victory for PSM Makassar would not only lift them further up the standings but also provide a significant confidence boost as they look to challenge for a top-four finish. For Persebaya Surabaya, a win would not only see them leapfrog PSM Makassar in the table but also solidify their position as a contender for a place in the AFC Cup next season.

Looking ahead, PSM Makassar’s upcoming fixtures include a tough away trip to face Bali United, followed by a home match against Arema FC. Persebaya Surabaya’s schedule sees them travel to face Madura United before returning home to host Persib Bandung. These upcoming matches will further test the resilience and determination of both teams as they navigate the challenges of the Super League season.

As kickoff approaches, anticipation is building among fans of both PSM Makassar and Persebaya Surabaya. The Gelora B.J Habibie Stadium is expected to be packed to the rafters, creating a cauldron of noise and passion as these two giants of Indonesian football lock horns in a crucial mid-table encounter. The stage is set for a thrilling spectacle of football that could have significant implications for the remainder of the Super League season.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.