MANILA, Philippines – Katipunan neighbors Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines (UP) go for all the marbles in the Finals of the UAAP Season 78 men's football tournament Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Katipunan derby is a rematch of the 2013 Finals, wherein the Blue Eagles bested the Fighting Maroons in a two-game series, with both matches decided via penalty shootout.

Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m.

UP is actually eyeing a golden double as its women's squad is seeking a first-ever title against De La Salle University in the first match at 3 p.m.

(READ: Paolo Bugas, Jarvey Gayoso lead UAAP Men’s Football individual awardees)

The Lady Archers, who topped the elimination round, are eyeing a ninth crown but their first since 2010.

The Maroons are highly motivated to win the championship for Rogie Maglinas, their 19-year-old defender who passed away after a bout with rhabdomyosarcoma, or cancer of the skeletal muscles, last January.

"Sana andito siya ngayon," UP coach Anto Gonzales said.

Gonzales added that his players "have been confident since Day 1" in their campaign to win their 17th crown and first since 2012.

Daniel Gadia has been impressive for the Fighting Maroons, while Patxi Santos and Ian Clariño have been rock solid in protecting the backline. UP is one of the league's best defensive teams as goalkeeper Ac Villanueva has not surrendered a goal in the second round of the tournament.

Even the rookies, led by King Miyagi, are delivering for the Maroons, who have advanced to the Finals despite losing ace striker Jinggoy Valmayor.

"Our freshmen can really play with all-out confidence," said Gonzales, whose squad crushed University of Santo Tomas, 3-0, in the semi-finals last week.

Ateneo coach JP Merida, who played in the Blue Eagles' championship-winning squads from 2004 to 2006, knows his players are in for a tough battle.

"UP is very organized, in defending and attacking," said Merida. "Since this is the last game, we need to give our all, our best."

The Eagles are hoping to give midfielder Mikko Mabanag a grand sendoff in his final collegiate game.

"Leader talaga si Mikko," said Merida, who is also expecting to get solid games from rookie Jarvey Gayoso, Masu Yoshioka, Julian Roxas, and goalie JP Oracion, the hero in their semi-final win over La Salle.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.