PSS Sleman Vs. Semen Padang: Hunting Four Matches Without Losing

The forward Gustavo Henrique became the focus of PSS Sleman when he faced Semen Padang (Photo: Gonang Susatyo/VOI)

PSS Sleman, who was already on the winning path, set a record for hosting Semen Padang in the 2024/2025 Liga 1 match. This match was held at the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 15.30 WIB.

The unbeaten record in four consecutive matches is PSS' target. Previously, PSS showed a good performance that was maintained for three matches. They closed the first round with a 4-0 win over Madura United.

The trend continued when PSS started the second round of the competition. They outperformed the top team of Persebaya Surabaya 3-1 and then drew 0-0 against Persik Kediri.

Successfully collecting seven points made the team nicknamed the Javanese Super Elang slowly move out of the relegation zone. Now, PSS is ranked 13th after pocketing the 19.

Now, PSS is aiming for an unbeaten record for the fourth time when they host Semen Padang, which is currently in danger.

Semen Padang is ranked 17th or in the red zone because they have only received 13 points. Their points are the same as the two teams that are also in the relegation area, Persis Solo and Madura United.

Even though the opponent is at the bottom, PSS coach Mazola Junior does not underestimate Semen Padang. According to him, Semen Padang will definitely be different compared to the first round.

"This will be a game that is not easy. The team must focus on the match against Semen Padang. I don't want the players to look at Semen Padang like in the first round. They are different in this second round," said Mazola.

"We'll see in world football. Real Madrid can lose badly against Barcelona. But in the previous match, Madrid gave in to Barca. So, we have to work hard if we want to get three points," said the Brazilian coach.

However, Mazola remains optimistic and hopes that the team can maximize away matches to win again. According to him, PSS has the best momentum and they have prepared themselves for the match.

"Our preparation is quite good. The team is also fully focused on fighting Semen Padang and playing well so that they can win," he said.

Meanwhile, the coach of Semen Padang Eduardo Almeida was no less confident in facing the match. He emphasized that the team had forgotten the 5-1 defeat against Bali United.

Now, Kabau Sirah is looking at away matches. The Portuguese coach stated firmly that Semen Padang needed points in order to improve the ranking. However, he admits that PSS is indeed a good opponent. Their achievements in the competition show that the team from Sleman still has to be taken into account.

"We are against a good team. However, we are still optimistic that we will be able to achieve the target in this match. We have come to achieve the target of three points. So we focus on this match," said Almeida.

In that match, PSS lost its mainstay defender Cleberson who suffered an injury in the match against Persik. However, Mazola believes the player who replaces him can fulfill his expectations.

"I'm actually reluctant to talk about players who can't perform. But what is clear is that I have prepared the player who replaces him. I'm sure he can carry out my instructions," said Mazola.