FAR Eastern University and University of the Philippines go head-to-head for the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football championship today at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kick-off is at 5 p.m.
A victory will complete the Tamaraws’ golden treble for a second straight season. FEU’s juniors team annexed a record 11th crown last March while its women’s squad reasserted its mastery of De La Salle in the Final last Friday.
In 2009 (Season 71), the Fighting Maroons won over the Tamaraws as the Diliman-based side built a powerhouse program.
This time, all it will take to clinch the crown is to win the one-off final.
Both schools are entering the league’s biggest stage behind thrilling Final Four victories last week. FEU completed a comeback to defeat Ateneo 2-1 while UP upended University of Santo Tomas via penalties 8-7 after a 1-1 stalemate at extra time.
“We will watch the game now and study UP’s tactics so we can draw up a plan for this week,” said FEU coach Albert Besa. “We’re just gonna come out and play our final game strong.”
“It is good to be back at the finals, but the job is not yet done,” said UP coach Popoy Clarino. “FEU is a very strong team, championship-caliber. They have lots of natural players. We are looking forward to the Finals. We go back, rest first, then prepare for the finals on May 16.”
