BANGKALAN, Indonesia (Interstat) — Dimitar Mitkov scored in the 89th minute as Madura United FC beat visiting Persib Bandung 1-0 on Thursday in a Super League match at Stadion Gelora Bangkalan. Madura United FC scored the only goal of the game and kept Persib Bandung scoreless. The home side held its narrow advantage through the closing minutes after Persib Bandung pressed for an equalizer. Mitkov’s late finish decided a match that had remained level for most of the afternoon, and Madura United FC managed the final stages without conceding.

Mitkov’s goal came after Iran Junior supplied the assist during a 17-minute appearance for Madura United FC. Mitkov was replaced in the 90th minute plus four minutes of stoppage time, shortly after his decisive contribution. Persib Bandung could not turn its late possession into a clear chance and finished without a goal. Madura United FC’s defense held firm in the final moments to secure the home result. Iran Junior’s short stint proved important, and Madura United FC’s late changes helped the home side protect its advantage.

Madura United FC’s season record in this competition is now 1 win, 1 loss and 1 draw. Its record across all competitions also stands at 1 win, 1 loss and 1 draw. Persib Bandung’s season record in this competition is now 3 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. Across all competitions, Persib Bandung is now 5 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw.

Persib Bandung’s L. Guaycochea received a yellow card in the 74th minute. Uilliam was also booked in the 90th minute plus six minutes of stoppage time. The cautions came during a tense closing stretch as Persib Bandung pushed for a late equalizer and Madura United FC worked to protect its lead. Persib Bandung continued to press after the first caution, but Madura United FC’s back line remained organized.

Persib Bandung made three substitutions at halftime, with K. Rudianto, A. Alis and L. Menalo involved in the changes. Persib Bandung also brought on T. Haye in the 81st minute and M. Klok in the 90th minute plus two minutes of stoppage time. Madura United FC made a 73rd-minute substitution involving Lulinha, then used changes involving G. Freitas Gali and J. Santacruz in the 84th minute. Madura United FC replaced Mitkov in the 90th minute plus four minutes of stoppage time.

The result gave Madura United FC a home victory in the league competition and left Persib Bandung with another league defeat. Persib Bandung had entered the match after a 1-0 win over Persik Kediri and had also beaten Viettel 1-0. Persib Bandung had drawn 2-2 with Dewa United, won 3-1 at Port MTI FC, lost 2-1 at Persija Jakarta, beaten PSM 3-1 and won 2-1 at Persijap. Madura United FC had entered after a 3-3 draw with FC Bhayangkara and a 2-0 loss at Persik Kediri. The home side’s late goal changed the outcome of a match that had been tight throughout.

Madura United FC defended compactly after taking the lead and limited Persib Bandung’s best late openings. Persib Bandung’s halftime adjustments brought fresh legs, but the visitors could not find a finishing touch. The home side managed the final minutes with substitutions and held on for the clean sheet. The victory marked Madura United FC’s first win in the competition this season, while Persib Bandung remained active in the closing minutes but could not produce a response before the final whistle.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Persib Bandung 3, Madura United FC 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Madura United FC with a 61.5 percent probability to win. Persib Bandung had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 1 went over the over/under line of 2.5.