Liga 1 Gameweek 3

Arema FC 1 - 1 FT Persik Kediri

Kanjuruhan Stadium

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
53
FT
Fri, Sep 18
Indonesia
Arema FC
1-1
Persik Kediri
⚡ Intensity 51
⚖️ Balance 49
🏆 Stakes 10
🎲 Upset 51
Double VAR drama denies Arema FC.

Win Probability

  • Arema FC 53%
  • Draw 25%
  • Persik Kediri 22%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Double VAR Drama Denies Arema in Tense Stalemate

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 53/100. Two crucial video review decisions robbed the hosts of a comeback victory, ensuring the points were shared in a fiercely contested tactical battle.

Early Shockwaves at Kanjuruhan

Stepping onto the pitch at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Persik Kediri silenced the passionate home crowd almost immediately with a display of sharp authority. They masterfully navigated the opening exchanges, establishing controlled possession with 56% of the ball while dictating the tempo through crisp, deliberate passing sequences in the midfield. That early systemic control paid significant dividends in the 6th minute when Z. Fariz found the back of the net, capping off a lethal forward thrust and tilting the Balance of the match firmly toward the visiting side. Arema FC thought they had manufactured an instant and dramatic reply just three minutes later, but a swift video review cut their passionate celebrations agonizingly short. Set-piece pressure quickly became a prominent feature of the half, with 13 total corners turning both penalty areas into a chaotic battleground of aerial duels.

Stepping Up to the Spot

Refusing to simply lay down and accept a home defeat, the hosts decisively dialled up the Intensity as the first half pushed toward the interval. Their relentless, high-pressing push finally forced a crucial lapse in concentration inside the danger area, earning a vital penalty right on the half-hour mark. Matheus Blade stepped up to the spot carrying the weight of the stadium on his shoulders and made absolutely no mistake, smashing the ball home with clinical precision to level the scoreline at 1-1. This pivotal equaliser instantly shifted the match's momentum, forcing the visitors to absorb sustained waves of attacking pressure and defend much deeper than they had in the opening minutes. The ensuing tactical adjustments from both managerial benches quickly turned the midfield into a fiercely contested physical battle where every inch of grass had to be vigorously earned.

The Final Whistle Heartbreak

The second half evolved into a gruelling war of attrition with vital league Stakes clearly on the line for both sets of players. Arema relentlessly probed the flanks looking for a decisive winner, desperate to solidify their standing in the top five of the early-season Liga 1 table. The on-pitch drama finally peaked in the breathless 87th minute when the hosts finally breached the opposing net once again, sending Kanjuruhan into an absolute frenzy of pure relief. However, VAR crucially intervened for a second time during the evening, heartbreakingly chalking off the would-be winning goal for an unfortunate handball in the build-up. The resulting 1-1 draw leaves Arema sitting in fifth place with four points, while a relieved Persik Kediri squad will gladly escape with a hard-fought point that keeps them firmly entrenched in the mid-table pack.

Key Questions

How did VAR change this match?

VAR intervened twice to disallow Arema FC goals in the 9th and 87th minutes, preventing a home victory and preserving the 1-1 draw.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
44%
56%
Arema FC 44%
Persik Kediri 56%
Corners
7
6
Arema FC 7
Persik Kediri 6
Yellow Cards
2
3
Arema FC 2
Persik Kediri 3
Red Cards
0
0
Arema FC 0
Persik Kediri 0

Match Events

Z. Fariz ⚽ 6'
9' • Arema FC
30' ⚽ Matheus Blade
Kiko 🟨 45'+1
45'+3 🟨 MV
HT
46' 🔄 ↓ A. Farisi ↑L. Guntara
57' 🔄 ↓ A. Fikri ↑A. Dewangga
57' 🔄 ↓ Gabriel Silva ↑Samuel Otusanya
59' 🟨 A. Dewangga
↓ E. Barbosa ↑F. Alesandro 🔄 67'
69' 🔄 ↓ Careca ↑Gustavo Franca
↓ Kiko ↑D. Salman 🔄 70'
D. Salman 🟨 82'
M. Djalo 🟨 85'
87' • Arema FC
↓ Bayu Otto ↑A. Eko 🔄 90'+3
FT

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
05/03/2026 Persik Kediri 3 - 2 Arema FC Liga 1 Brawijaya Stadium
01/11/2026 Arema FC 2 - 1 Persik Kediri Liga 1 Kanjuruhan Stadium
05/11/2025 Arema FC 0 - 3 Persik Kediri Liga 1 Stadion Kanjuruhan
12/16/2024 Persik Kediri 1 - 0 Arema FC Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
11/27/2023 Arema FC 0 - 1 Persik Kediri Liga 1 Stadion Kapten I Wayan Dipta
07/15/2023 Persik Kediri 5 - 2 Arema FC Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
02/28/2023 Arema FC 2 - 3 Persik Kediri Liga 1 PTIK Stadium
09/17/2022 Persik Kediri 0 - 1 Arema FC Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
06/15/2022 Persik Kediri 0 - 1 Arema FC Piala Presiden Stadion Kanjuruhan
02/27/2022 Arema FC 0 - 1 Persik Kediri Liga 1 Stadion Ngurah Rai
05/03/2026
Liga 1 Brawijaya Stadium
01/11/2026
Liga 1 Kanjuruhan Stadium
05/11/2025
Liga 1 Stadion Kanjuruhan
12/16/2024
Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
11/27/2023
Liga 1 Stadion Kapten I Wayan Dipta
07/15/2023
Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
02/28/2023
Liga 1 PTIK Stadium
09/17/2022
Liga 1 Stadion Brawijaya
06/15/2022
Piala Presiden Stadion Kanjuruhan
02/27/2022
Liga 1 Stadion Ngurah Rai
Arema FC Win
Persik Kediri Win
Draw

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