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Florenz Tacardon and UP celebrate after scoring against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, November 6, 2025 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP Media
MANILA -- University of the Philippines secured its place in the Final 4 of the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament after a slim 1-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday night.
Florenz Tacardon scored the breakthrough goal five minutes from time, before goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez came through with clutch saves to preserve the win for the Fighting Maroons.
UP now has 22 points -- five clear of second-running Far Eastern University, the defending champions. This is their third consecutive appearance in the semifinals.
The Fighting Maroons, who are eyeing to reclaim the throne they won in Season 86, also defeated the Blue Eagles, 3-2, in the first round. They have now won three straight meetings against their Katipunan rivals dating back to last season.
UP finally broke the deadlock in the 85th minute when Ken Saludez kept possession after Adri Caraig missed an attempt, setting up Tacardon for a header that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Ateneo had several opportunities to equalize, but Gonzalez stood tall in goal. The UP keeper came through with a brilliant save against Kofi Agyei's late attempt deep in stoppage time to seal the three points for the Maroons.
"It was a very exciting game. Ateneo always brings in the fight. We were up for the challenge. The goal that Florenz made was really planned — that's what we wanted to do," said UP head coach Popoy Clarino. "That was the target; that cross was perfect and Florenz was in the right place, right time to head the ball in."
The defeat dropped Ateneo to fourth place with 11 points, three behind University of Santo Tomas, which earlier defeated University of the East, 2-1, to seize solo third.
Ramil Bation III had a golden chance to put UP ahead in the 56th minute but was denied by Blue Eagles goalkeeper JP Tansingco. Ateneo likewise missed a chance in the 79th minute when Agyei failed to convert from close range.
Clarino, meanwhile, said the team remains focused on steady improvement despite already securing a Final Four berth. The Fighting Maroons now have a chance to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage if they finish in the top two after the eliminations.
"It's still the same — we take it one game at a time. We look to improve every game. We wanted to inspire the younger generation with how we play, and hopefully, they will want to play for UP. We also wanted to serve the UP community and, of course, give back," Clarino added.
UP will next face De La Salle University on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., while Ateneo aims to bounce back against University of the East on November 16 at 4 p.m. Both matches will be held at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.