Dov Cariño of Ateneo celebrates against La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, November 14, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University became the first team to secure a Final 4 berth in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The Blue Eagles clinched their ticket to the postseason with a 4-0 demolition of archrival De La Salle University, with Dov Cariño accounting for two goals.

Cariño took his league-leading goal total to nine, while Ateneo goal-keeper Artus Cezar produced a clean sheet as the Blue Eagles solidified their hold on top of the table with 24 points.

"Of course, like ng sinabi ko nga sa team we need this win to secure the top four, but again UAAP Season 87 eliminations are not done yet. There’s a few more games and we’re looking forward to perform more and improve more," said Ateneo coach JP Merida.

"We're very happy because we controlled the game from La Salle, all the way to the final whistle," he added.

Joaquin Collo opened Ateneo's account in the 16th minute off an assist from Cariño, who then doubled the lead in the 36th minute by completing a cross from Leo Maquiling. Cariño grabbed his brace in first-half added time to give the Blue Eagles a 3-0 lead at the break.

Cariño was subbed out in the 74th minute, but the Blue Eagles were not done as Collo assisted on Fernando Roxas' 87th minute strike to complete the scoring.

"We believe in Dov Cariño talaga," said Merida, whose team regained their winning ways after a loss to the University of the Philippines in their previous assignment. 

READ: Late Lampayan goal propels UP to stunner vs. Ateneo

Cezar, for his part, had several brilliant saves in the second half to frustrate the Green Booters.

De La Salle remained in fifth spot with 10 points, three off University of Santo Tomas, which earlier battled to a scoreless stalemate against Far Eastern University.

READ: FEU men rue missed chances in goalless draw against UST

Up next for the Blue Eagles are the Tamaraws on Nov. 21, while La Salle will take on holder University of the Philippines on Sunday.