University of the Philippines downed holder Far Eastern University, 2-0, in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday night in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament at the UP Football Stadium.
Ramil Bation III scored his ninth goal of the season with a 13th-minute goal while Benjamin Palacio III doubled the Fighting Maroons lead 12 minutes later.
The loss ended the Tamaraws’ eight-match undefeated streak.
UP improved to 22 points, two clear of FEU, which dropped to second in the standings.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Head coach Popoy Clarino was satisfied with the way the Fighting Maroons performed against the Tamaraws, who failed to score a goal in a match this season.
“We prepared for this game and we know that FEU’s going to come out [strong]. FEU is the defending champion, but we want to gain confidence heading into the semifinals. This is one of those games that we can learn something from,” said Clarino.
UP seeks to gain full points and secure the No. 1 ranking in the Final Four against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday.
FEU takes on also-ran University of the East in the final elimination round matchday on May 2.
