Bhayangkara vs Persebaya in the Super League, Tavares warns not to grow complacent over the President's Cup title.

Persebaya Surabaya will begin their 2026/27 Super League campaign with a difficult opening test. The Bajol Ijo squad will travel away to face Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC at PKOR Sumpah Pemuda Stadium, Lampung, this Saturday afternoon. Head coach Bernardo Tavares has predicted the match will be fiercely contested.

This first matchweek fixture gives Persebaya the opportunity to translate all their pre-season preparation work into official competitive football. However, Tavares recognises that opening matches always carry unique challenges, especially as Persebaya do not yet have a complete overview of Bhayangkara's capabilities with their newly assembled squad.

"I expect tomorrow's match will be tough. We do not have enough reference matches to fully observe how Bhayangkara will play with their new team characteristics. For this reason, we must be prepared to adapt to every possible scenario on the pitch," Coach Tavares stated on Persebaya's official website.

Last Season's Experience As A Warning

Tavares will not allow Persebaya to forget their encounters with Bhayangkara during the 2025/26 Super League. The two meetings last season proved this opposition is far from an easy opponent to overcome.

Persebaya only managed to secure a draw during their away visit in the first half of last season. Things became even more difficult in the return fixture at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, where Bajol Ijo were beaten 1-2 by Bhayangkara.

This result serves as a reminder for Persebaya not to underestimate this season opening match. Tavares has stressed to his players that last season's results cannot be used as any form of guarantee for this upcoming fixture.

"We also have to remember that Bhayangkara defeated us 2-1 at GBT last season. That alone is reason enough for us to give this match our full focus. Past head-to-head records and previous results must never make us complacent," stated the 46-year-old coach.

Tavares Warns Against Complacency

Persebaya travel to Lampung with high confidence after winning the 2026 President's Cup. This pre-season title confirmed that the club's preparations ahead of the new campaign have been progressing positively.

Even so, Tavares reminded his squad that pre-season tournament atmosphere carries entirely different pressure and challenges compared to official Super League competition.

"We must go back to working hard and prove that we want to secure a better result than our opponents. For me, everything that happened before is just history. Tomorrow is a completely new match, and we will give our absolute best," Tavares said.

This opening away trip also acts as a mental test for Persebaya. Playing the first match of the season at an opponent's ground carries its own distinct pressure, especially against a side that will be highly motivated to start their campaign with a positive result.

Expectations From Bonek And Bonita Supporters

Throughout preparations for this match, the unwavering support from Persebaya fans Bonek and Bonita remains a core part of the club's journey. Even though this fixture will be held far from Surabaya, expectations for the Bajol Ijo squad remain as high as ever.

Tavares understands the huge weight of expectation on Persebaya heading into the new season. He has asked his players to channel this pressure as extra motivation, rather than allowing it to become a burden.

"One thing is certain: expectations for Persebaya are always high. We fully understand that. We are ready to carry this pressure, and we will give 100 percent for tomorrow's match," he concluded.