SURABAYA, Indonesia (Interstat) — Madura United delivered a significant upset to open the Liga 1 season, defeating host Persebaya Surabaya 2-1 on Friday behind decisive second-half contributions from its substitutes.

Playing before a home crowd at Stadion Gelora Bung Tomo, Persebaya entered the match as a heavy favorite. Statistical models from Interstat gave the hosts an 85.80 percent probability of victory and projected a 1-1 draw, but Madura United’s bench provided the crucial difference.

The visitors struck first in the 12th minute. Forward Paulo Gali, who would later receive a yellow card, assisted on the opening goal finished by Lulinha, giving Madura United an early advantage it would carry into halftime.

Persebaya pushed for an equalizer but found itself further behind in the 64th minute. Another Madura United substitute made an immediate impact as Jordy Wehrmann set up a goal by Riquelme, doubling the lead to 2-0. Wehrmann was booked in the 87th minute.

The home side managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute to create a tense finale. Defender Riyan Ardiansyah scored Persebaya’s lone goal, assisted by substitute Giovani Numberi. Numberi had also been shown a yellow card in the 36th minute.

Persebaya’s hopes for a late comeback were hampered by discipline issues in stoppage time. Substitute Dicky Indrayana, who recorded an assist on Ardiansyah’s goal, received a yellow card in the ninth minute of added time.

The result provides a perfect start to the Liga 1 campaign for Madura United, which begins the season with one win and no losses in the competition. Persebaya Surabaya starts with one loss and no wins.

The match underscored the impact of squad depth, with all three goals and three assists coming from players who began the game as substitutes. The four total yellow cards issued also reflected a competitive and occasionally fractious derby atmosphere.

Both teams’ overall records across all competitions now mirror their Liga 1 standings.