In a pulsating encounter between Arema FC vs Malut United, Arema FC defeated Malut United FC 3-1 during an Indonesian Liga 1 match on October 19, 2024, at the Kanjuruhan Stadium. It was one of those matches in which the tactical superiority and clinical finishing by Arema FC paid off as they went past a strong early challenge presented by Malut United FC. But this encounter, where the two teams were standing so close together in the league table, had all the ingredients of an interesting match. However, it was the firepower of Arema FC that settled the outcome, with goals from Dalberto and Wiliam Moreira da Silva Marcílio sealing the win.
First Half: Yakob Sayuri Shines Early for Malut United
Malut United opened the account in this tug of supremacy. Yakob Sayuri opened the account in the 40th minute with an agile and on-target effort. This goal presented Malut United with a lead it needed to head into the second half of the game for an electrifying battle. The strike by Sayuri capitalized on a defensive lapse presented by Arema FC whereby the goalkeeper Lucas Frigeri was left with very little chance for a save.
Falling behind in a game did not cause Arema FC to lose their composure. The intent of coach Joel Cornelli was firm on a 4-1-4-1 formation to keep his team inside the box by creating a number of chances, none of which found target position in the first half. The home crowd was getting anxious, but there was a sense that Arema would get back into it.
Second Half: Arema Comeback Led by Dalberto and Moreira da Silva Marcílio
It was an energized Arema FC that emerged after the break. The half-time inclusion of Wiliam Moreira da Silva Marcílio and Dedik Setiawan saw the game change in Arema’s favour. The equalizer arrived in the 50th minute through Marcílio, who received Dalberto’s pass and calmly finished to bring the score to 1-1. The combination between Dalberto and Marcilio was the key throughout the match, as both players threatened simultaneously to unlock Malut United’s tight defence.
Finally, in-form striker Dalberto gave Arema FC a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute. Holding off defenders and calmly slotting the ball past Malut United goalkeeper Muhammad Ridwan only showed why he has been one of the most dangerous forwards this season in Liga 1. Through Samuel Balinsa, Dalberto’s goal typified Arema’s attacking strategy: quick, decisive, and direct.
Arema vs Malut United Late Drama: Marcílio Seals the Game
In dire need of an equalizer, Malut United pushed a number of players in forward, gifted Arema FC open spaces in the rear. Wiliam Moreira da Silva Marcílio sealed it with his second of the night to make it 3-1 in the 91st minute. The late strike sealed the dominance of Arema FC and frustrated Malut United. Marcílio’s excellent individual performance was sealed with an excellent performance that proved to be important.
Analysis: Tactical Masterclass from Arema FC
Analysis: Tactical Masterclass from Arema FCTactical flexibility and sharp decisions from the home side were on full display in the match between Arema FC vs Malut United FC. Being an early leader, Malut United did put pressure on Arema, but during half-time, Cornelli brought in Marcílio and Setiawan, which changed the dynamics completely. The chemistry between the duo revitalized the attack of Arema while having Dalberto as the focal point allowed Arema to stretch Malut United’s defence.
In the game, Arema was tactically able to capitalize on any weakness of Malut United in transition. Graced with a dominant midfield display and use of the flanks, Arema FC was able to press the backline of Malut United continually. Particularly, Dalberto and Marcilio presented some great chemistry as the two players combined for several dangerous attacking moves.
From Arema FC’s point of view, they were solid once they conceded the first goal. Thales led the backline with Syaiful Anwar, which means Malut United got fewer chances afterward to seal their account in the second half of the game. Despite Yakob Sayuri’s early strike for Malut United, chances were few and far between afterward.
The match was a tale of two halves for Malut United FC, who started so brightly through a confidence booster from Yakob Sayuri’s goal but failed to carry that in the second period. That failure of Malut United to adapt to the tactical changes by Arema cost them the game. Substitutions by Manager Imran Nahumarury, including Victor Mansaray and Rifal Lastori, did not produce an effect similar to the substitution of Arema.
However, despite Malut United’s various attacking forays, including a missed penalty opportunity at the 64-minute mark of the game, they remained blunt and failed to break through Arema’s defence. That missed penalty proved a turning point as it would have made it all square at 2-2.
Arema FC vs Malut United: Dominant Arema FC Performance
Arema vs Malut United was an exciting match, as everything that was least expected happened. Malut United had an excellent start to the match, to be ultimately outplayed tactically and with individual brilliance from Arema FC. The win catapults Arema FC up the Liga 1 standings into the top half of the table with ease. Dalberto, Marcílio, and Yakob Sayuri were the outstanding performers as each tried to give much in the match.
Arema FC will want to build on this momentum as they face their next opponents, while Malut United FC will have a hard time regrouping and working out the kinks that caused them to collapse in the second half. It leaves Malut United in a precarious position, and they would have to find consistency if they are to climb the table in Liga 1.
