League 1 2024/2025 Results: Balotelli's Late Goal Saves PSM From Defeat

PSM Makassar survived defeat when they hosted PSBS Biak in the 19th week of Liga 1 (Instagram/@psm_makassar).

JAKARTA - PSM Makassar survived defeat when they hosted PSBS Biak in the 19th week of Liga 1 2024/2025 at Batakan Stadium, Balikpapan, Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Both teams had to settle for sharing one point after PSBS' advantage through Ariel Nahuelpan's goal (55') was equalized by Joao Pereira Albertine alias Balotelli in injury time (90+2').

The journey of the first half was quite tough so there was no score until halftime.

PSBS opened up the opportunity first in the seventh minute through Ariel Nahuelpan, but his shot has not yet met the target.

PSM replied three minutes later through the dead ball. However, Victor Luiz's direct shot was secured by the visitors' defense.

Juku Eja then had his first chance on target in the 22nd minute of Daisuke Sakai's header. John Pigai was then able to still thwart the hosts' chance which was still too weak.

A minute later, it was Ariel Gerardo's turn to threaten PSM's goal. Luckily, his two shots hit PSM defenders before they finally deviated.

PSM actually broke into PSBS' goal in the 34th minute. Starting from a counterattack, Balotelli scored, but then the referee disallowed after checking VAR.

Continuing to the second half, the game was getting hotter. PSBS threatened through Abel Arganaraz to maximize PSM's backline errors, but the ball still flew narrowly over the bar in the 50th minute.

The deadlock finally broke in the 55th minute. Ariel continued his corner with his header which failed to be driven away by PSM goalkeeper, Reza Arya.

This advantage made PSBS play more confident and put pressure on PSM. The hosts who did not want to be humiliated in front of their supporters played more aggressively.

However, none of their efforts have resulted in normal time.

Luck then enveloped the hosts in injury time. Balotelli in the 92+2 minute failed to be reached by John Pigai to make it 1-1. The score lasted until the game was over.

PSM Makassar has now packed 10 series results from 19 League 1 matches. After getting one point against PSBS, they remain in fourth position in the standings with 31 points. While PSBS are stuck in 10th position with 27 points.