Arema FC secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Semen Padang in a Super League 2025/26 Week 21 fixture at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, on Sunday, February 15. However, the comprehensive win was overshadowed by a concerning incident that saw a home team player rushed to the hospital. Despite the alarming scenes, the ‘Singo Edan’ coach later reassured fans that the player’s condition was stable and positive.
During the match, two Arema FC players, Roberto Pimenta Vinagre, known as Betinho, and Hansamu Yama Pranata, were forced off due to injuries. Betinho’s situation was particularly serious, as he had to be hospitalised after sustaining a heavy blow to the head.
Early in the game, Betinho was deployed in central midfield alongside Matheus Blade. The critical moment occurred when a powerful shot from Semen Padang’s Jaime Giraldo struck Betinho’s head. The Brazilian player immediately collapsed and remained motionless on the field for a brief, worrying period.
Semen Padang players were quick to recognise the severity of the situation, promptly signalling to referee Steven Yubel Poli to halt the match. Medical staff attended to Betinho on the pitch before he was carefully stretchered off and substituted by Valdeci Moreira in the 24th minute.
The urgency of Betinho’s condition was evident as he was directly transferred to an ambulance positioned near the northern side of the Arema FC bench. Several club staff members appeared visibly panicked by the incident. Throughout the ongoing match, Betinho continued to receive immediate medical attention inside the ambulance.
Approximately 13 minutes later, at the 37th minute of play, the ambulance departed Kanjuruhan Stadium. The 33-year-old footballer was transported to Wava Husada Hospital for further comprehensive examination and care.
Meanwhile, Hansamu Yama’s injury was less dramatic but still significant. The former Persija defender was replaced in the 88th minute by Dendi Santoso, having received treatment from the Arema FC medical team before leaving the field without his boots due to the injury.
Following the match, Arema FC coach Marcos Vinicius dos Santos Goncalves provided an update on Betinho’s status. He explained that medical personnel decided to take the player to the hospital due to a slight decrease in consciousness and reported complaints, but he confirmed that Betinho’s condition was now secure.
“Betinho’s condition is good, positive, safe there (at the hospital); he was indeed taken to the hospital after the incident,” Marcos Santos stated during the post-match press conference, alleviating much of the concern.
Ironically, Betinho’s early departure brought about a tactical shift that invigorated Arema’s attack. The coach transitioned the team’s formation from a 4-4-2 to a more offensive 4-1-4-1, introducing Valdeci to bolster the attacking prowess. This tactical adjustment swiftly bore fruit: a rapid counter-attack saw Valdeci deliver an assist to Gustavo Franca, who then set up Joel Vinicius for the crucial opening goal.
“When Valdeci came in, he could create space, help build the team, and from there we started finding attacks, ultimately leading to the goal,” the Brazilian coach elaborated, highlighting the unexpected positive outcome of the substitution.
Marcos Santos also acknowledged the growing hard work and cohesion within his squad. With eight new players joining the team during the Super League’s mid-season transfer window, the integration has been remarkably successful. This newfound unity is reflected in Arema FC’s impressive recent form, securing three consecutive wins and maintaining clean sheets in each of those matches.
“I am pleased that the players performed well, worked hard, and the new players from Borneo, Persija, and others are gelling beautifully. Three games without conceding is fantastic; the players were extraordinary today. I can confirm the team is more compact and deserved this victory,” he affirmed, commending his squad’s collective effort.
This dominant 3-0 victory propelled Arema FC significantly up the Super League standings. By Week 21, they have climbed into the mid-table, now sitting in 8th position with 30 points accumulated from 8 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses.
Conversely, for Semen Padang, this heavy defeat has plunged them into the relegation zone. The ‘Kabau Sirah’ now find themselves in a precarious 17th spot in the league table, having secured only 15 points from 3 wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses.
Summary
Arema FC secured a 3-0 victory against Semen Padang, though the win was overshadowed by a serious head injury to player Betinho. He was rushed to Wava Husada Hospital after collapsing on the field from a powerful shot to the head, experiencing a slight decrease in consciousness. Coach Marcos Santos later reassured fans, confirming Betinho’s condition was stable and positive.
Ironically, Betinho’s early departure prompted a tactical shift that invigorated Arema’s attack, leading to the opening goal. The team has displayed strong form with three consecutive wins and clean sheets, propelling them to 8th place in the Super League standings. Conversely, Semen Padang now finds itself in the relegation zone after this heavy defeat.