Ateneo, FEU set to dispute men's football crown

c/o UAAP

Match tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Stadium

5 p.m. — Ateneo vs FEU (Men’s)

After a grueling campaign with 44 matches played across the elimination round and Final Four, Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University have earned the right to face off for the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament championship tomorrow (Sunday)  at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Kick-off time is at 5 p.m.

Both teams enjoyed one win each over the other back in the elimination round.

The Blue Eagles prevailed 2-1 in the first round last October 6. On the other hand, the Tamaraws bounced back 1-0 in the second round last November 21.

Moreover, this is the second time in three seasons both teams have clashed for the gold with FEU emerging victorious 4-1 back in the Season 85 final on May 18, 2023.

Ateneo, which topped the elimination round with 28 points, booked its ticket to the big dance by edging fourth-seed University of Santo Tomas 2-1 last Sunday behind Leo Maquiling and Jet Dela Cruz’s goals. The Blue Eagles also have the division’s top two scorers, Dov Cariño and Maquiling, who have 11 and eight goals respectively.

JP Merida — now in his sixth final as the Blue Eagles’ mentor with championships won in Seasons 75, 79 and 81 — said it is back to the drawing board considering how Ateneo and FEU traded wins earlier this season and how both schools will be eager to reclaim lost glory.

“It's a tough game for me,” said Merida. “It’s an even (game). We won (in the) first round, we lost (in the) second round. For me, this is a good match. (We’re) looking forward to playing well of course.”

“On the opposite side, we are looking forward to FEU playing as well (as us). So right now, the best thing is to prepare. We need to go back to the screen to check their style going into  the very last game.”

Compared to Merida, this Sunday’s clash will be FEU coach Roman Oliver’s first trip to the UAAP men’s football final. However, this situation is nothing new for the Spaniard’s Tamaraws, who are on their third consecutive trip to the big dance.

FEU is coming off an intense and fight-marred 1-0 victory over the dethroned University of the Philippines, which saw Season 85 Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon score a 76th-minute winner and Fighting Maroons coach Popoy Clarino and Tamaraws defender Mel Anthony Baylon sent off for their roles in a first-half scuffle.

“Well, it's a very good feeling,” said Oliver. “It was a tough match (and a) very emotional match. We played the second half with all the best players. They fought like warriors so even I don't have to describe the feelings. (I’m) so happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend.”

The Blue Eagles are gunning for their ninth championship in the men’s division. Ateneo last won the gold back in Season 81 at the expense of its archrival De La Salle University courtesy of striker Jarvey Gayoso’s late equalizer and Julian Roxas’ stoppage-time winner.

For the Tamaraws, it may not only be a 12th championship at stake by the time both teams face off on Sunday but also a collegiate double with the FEU Lady Tamaraws and De La Salle Lady Booters facing off in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday.