Mariano Peralta Penalty Sends Persib Bandung Top of ACL Two Group E

Persib Bandung continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vietnamese side The Cong-Viettel FC at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Wednesday, October 14. Mariano Peralta’s first-half penalty proved decisive, securing three valuable points for Igor Tolic’s side.

The match was a closely contested affair, with Persib struggling to break down their opponents’ organised defence during the opening stages. Despite taking the initiative and attempting to control the tempo, the hosts found clear-cut opportunities difficult to come by.

Persib gradually increased the pressure, with Peralta, Marc Klok and Ikwan Tanamal all threatening to break the deadlock. However, their efforts failed to produce a goal as The Cong-Viettel continued to defend resolutely.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly before half-time. Peralta was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award Persib a spot-kick. The Argentine forward stepped up and calmly converted, giving the hosts a crucial lead heading into the interval.

Buoyed by the advantage, Persib returned for the second half with greater confidence in possession. Tolic’s men looked more comfortable controlling the game and came close to doubling their lead when Julio Cesar met a cross from Thom Haye with a header, but the attempt lacked the accuracy needed to find the net.

The contest became increasingly tense as the second half progressed. The Cong-Viettel were reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute after Paulinho received his second yellow card, seemingly giving Persib an opportunity to strengthen their advantage.

However, the numerical imbalance did not last long. Persib also lost a player when captain Marc Klok was sent off shortly afterwards, restoring parity in terms of numbers and adding another layer of difficulty to the closing stages.

With both teams reduced to 10 men, Persib focused on protecting their narrow lead rather than taking unnecessary risks in attack. The hosts remained disciplined until the final whistle, ensuring that Peralta’s penalty was enough to settle a demanding encounter.

The victory marks Persib’s second consecutive win in the competition, following their impressive 1-0 away triumph over FC Seoul in their opening fixture. With six points from their first two matches, Tolic’s side have made an excellent start and sit at the top of Group E.

For Persib, the result represents more than just another three points. Their ability to secure victories in tightly contested matches highlights the team’s growing resilience and defensive organisation as they continue their pursuit of a place in the knockout stages.

Having overcome both FC Seoul and The Cong-Viettel, Persib will now look to maintain their momentum in the remaining group fixtures. Their perfect start has placed them in a strong position, but continued consistency will be essential if Maung Bandung are to turn their promising opening into a sustained challenge for the ACL Two title.