Arema FC secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Semen Padang in a thrilling Super League 2025/26 Week 21 fixture. The decisive match took place at the iconic Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang on Sunday, February 15, with two of Arema’s goals masterfully struck by their prolific forward, Joel Vinicius. This crucial win underscored Arema FC’s strong form and tactical prowess on their home turf.
The impressive result propelled Arema FC to 8th position in the Super League standings, accumulating a respectable 30 points. Conversely, Semen Padang continues to navigate a challenging season, remaining in 16th place with just 15 points, highlighting the significance of every point in their fight for survival in the competitive league.
For this pivotal encounter, Arema FC’s starting lineup featured Adi Satryo guarding the net; a defensive line composed of Muhammad Iksan, Hansamu Yama, Walisson Maia, and Johan Alfarizie; a midfield anchored by Matheus Blade and Betinho; and an attacking quartet of Dalberto Luan Belo, Gustavo Franca, Gabriel ‘Gabi’ Silva, supporting the lone striker Joel Vinicius.
Semen Padang countered with their own formidable squad, including goalkeeper Rendy Oscario; defenders Samuel Simanjuntak, Jaime Giraldo, Angelo Meneses, and Tsouka Dozi; a midfield engine of Firman Juliansyah, Boubakary Diarra, Alhassan Wakaso, Kianz Froese, and Kasim Botan; with Guillermo leading their attack.
Despite playing away from home, Semen Padang demonstrated commendable resilience in the early stages of the match. They crafted one of the finest opportunities in the 10th minute when Diarra unleashed an accurate shot from outside the penalty box, only to be denied by a sharp save from Arema’s Adi Satryo. Just a minute later, Arema FC responded with an immediate threat of their own, as Dalberto’s precise strike was expertly parried away by Semen Padang’s goalkeeper, Rendy Oscario, keeping the score level.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 29th minute when Arema FC found their breakthrough. Gustavo Franca delivered a perfectly weighted low cross into the penalty area, which Joel Vinicius met with clinical precision, firing the ball past the Semen Padang goalkeeper to give the home side a deserved lead. As the first half drew to a close, statistics showed Semen Padang had enjoyed more possession and registered a total of 4 shots (1 on target), while Arema FC, despite less ball control, proved more efficient with 4 shots (2 on target), leading 1-0 at the interval.
The second half began with both teams exchanging vigorous attacks, signaling a continuation of the open play. It wasn’t long before “Singo Edan” (The Crazy Lion), Arema FC’s fierce nickname, extended their advantage in the 52nd minute. A deft low pass from Gabi Silva set up Gustavo Franca, who then unleashed an accurate low shot from the edge of the penalty area that nestled perfectly into the bottom right corner of Semen Padang’s net, doubling Arema’s lead and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Arema FC continued their relentless assault, securing their third goal in the 58th minute. A brilliant low through pass from Valdeci sliced through Semen Padang’s defense, sending Joel Vinicius clear on goal. Faced with a one-on-one opportunity against Oscario, Vinicius calmly executed an accurate strike from outside the box, completing his brace and solidifying Arema’s dominant performance.
Even with a comfortable three-goal cushion, Arema FC showed no signs of complacency, pushing forward with continued attacking waves. On the other side, Semen Padang, though trailing significantly, refused to yield, persistently striving for a consolation goal. However, despite their efforts, the scoreline remained 3-0 until the final whistle, cementing a memorable victory for Arema FC at Kanjuruhan Stadium.
Summary
Arema FC secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Semen Padang in a Super League 2025/26 Week 21 fixture at Kanjuruhan Stadium on February 15. Prolific forward Joel Vinicius scored a brace, complemented by a goal from Gustavo Franca. This significant win propelled Arema FC to 8th position in the league standings.
The first goal came in the 29th minute from Vinicius, assisted by Franca. Arema extended their lead in the second half, with Franca scoring in the 52nd minute and Vinicius completing his brace in the 58th minute. Semen Padang’s early efforts were thwarted, and they ultimately failed to score, confirming Arema’s dominant home performance.