Far Eastern University moved within striking distance of the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, shutting out Ateneo de Manila University 2–0 on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Now with 23 points, FEU has solidified its hold on second place. The defending champion is well ahead of its closest challenger, third-placed University of Santo Tomas, which has 18 points.
“Sobrang masaya,” said coach Jake Morallo. “This week sa training, prior to this game, nakuha namin yung plano. Lahat nasunod. Lahat nagsipag with the coordination and communication sa team, it was very good to see.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Tamaraws striker Theo Jico Libarnes brought the game to life by scoring the opener in the 39th minute, marking his fifth goal of the campaign.
In the second half, Blue Eagles defender Miguel Bengson had a chance to level the game, but his header went over the bar as Ateneo struggled to create clear-cut chances that tested FEU goalkeeper Allan Diansuy.
FEU then sealed the match deep into stoppage time, with Selwyn Mamon tapping the ball home in the 90+7th minute to register his ninth goal and secure full points for the defending champions.
The victory was even sweeter for the Tamaraws, who were held to a 1–1 draw by Ateneo in the first round on October 16, 2025.
Before entering the Final Four, FEU will close the elimination round against UST on Thursday at 4 p.m.
“Moving into the semifinals is a different story,” said Morallo. “Iba yung eliminations sa semifinals. Tignan natin kung sino makakalaban namin. For me, we have to prepare well na lang, especially para sa mga key players namin na may iniinda ngayon.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Ateneo’s hold on the fourth and final semifinal spot is now hanging by a thread after finishing their elimination round with one draw and two defeats.
The Blue Eagles (15 points) sit just two points ahead of fifth-placed De La Salle University, which could snatch the last postseason ticket by beating league leader University of the Philippines this Thursday, with kickoff scheduled at 6:30 p.m.
A win by the Green Booters over the Fighting Maroons would eliminate Ateneo, who have struggled since the resumption with only a single point to show.
A loss or draw by La Salle would, however, secure the Blue Eagles the last spot in the Final Four.
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