Ateneo de Manila exacted revenge against season tormentors University of Santo Tomas (UST), 2-0, and re-enter the UAAP men’s football final on Thursday’s final four nightcap at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Midfielder Leo Maquiling displayed his mastery on set pieces, issuing the necessary long passes for Blue Eagles’ double.

The Growling Tigers had the first offensive chances but three early attacking chances by Daniel Nartey were stymied by the Ateneo defense.

Miguel Abada then had a double save off two straight shots on goal by Maquiling and Fernando Roxas in 24th minute to keep the game goalless.

The scoreline finally moved in the first minute of added time in the first half, with Maquiling issuing a long free kick from far left that targeted the head of 6’4” forward Kofi Agyei for the header goal past Abada’s early challenge.

Thomasian midfielder Junuel Fianza tried to replicate but his 30-yard free kick was handily saved by goalkeeper Artuz Cezar to end the half.

It was Ateneo domination in the second half, with Maquiling kicking a long one from far right that targeted Agyei’s head again in the 54th minute.

Agyei was able to pass the ball toward an on-side Galen Fernandez, who chipped the goal from the left side of the six-yard box for the insurance goal.

The Growling Tigers hardly had any chance for at least a consolation goal as they resorted to aimless long balls to their attacking third, which the Ateneo backline easily contained.

This was the exact opposite of UST’s season-long domination of Ateneo, blanking the latter, 3-0, on aggregate in the two rounds.

With tonight’s result, Ateneo and Far Eastern University will meet in the final set on May 18 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

It will be a rematch of the Season 79 (2017) which the Blue Eagles won with a Jarvey Gayoso lone goal.

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