Camille Naredo

Action between Ateneo and FEU in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, October 6, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP Media/File

Action between Ateneo and FEU in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, October 6, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Article (news)

UAAP Season 87

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1734154418192UAAP 87 MFB - Selwyn Mamon (2).JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Action between Ateneo and FEU in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men&#x27;s football tournament, October 6, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP Media/File"/>Action between Ateneo and FEU in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men&#x27;s football tournament, October 6, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP Media/FileMANILA -- For the second time in three seasons, Far Eastern University and the Ateneo de Manila University will battle for championship glory in the finals of the UAAP men&#x27;s football tournament.</div>The gold medal match of the Season 87 tournament is set for 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.The protagonists enter the match on level terms, having split their elimination round encounters: the Blue Eagles prevailed 2-1 in the first round on October 6, only for the Tamaraws to snatch a 1-0 triumph in the second round just last November 21.But FEU has history on its side. They trounced Ateneo, 4-1, when they met in the Season 85 Finals in May 2023.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2024/12/8/uaap-dela-cruz-header-seals-ateneos-ticket-to-mens-football-final-0003">READ: Dela Cruz header seals Ateneo&#x27;s ticket to men&#x27;s football final</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2024/12/8/uaap-feu-dethrones-up-advances-to-mens-football-final-2026">READ: FEU dethrones UP, advances to men&#x27;s football final</a></div>JP Merida — now in his sixth final as the Blue Eagles&#x27; mentor with championships won in Seasons 75, 79 and 81 — said it is back to the drawing board considering how Ateneo and FEU traded wins earlier this season and how both schools will be eager to reclaim lost glory.&quot;It&#x27;s a tough game for me,&quot; said Merida. &quot;It&#x27;s an even (game). We won (in the) first round, we lost (in the) second round. For me, this is a good match. (We&#x27;re) looking forward to playing well of course.&quot;&quot;On the opposite side, we are looking forward to FEU playing as well (as us). So right now, the best thing is to prepare. We need to go back to the screen to check their style going into  the very last game.&quot;Compared to Merida, this Sunday&#x27;s clash will be FEU coach Roman Oliver&#x27;s first trip to the UAAP men&#x27;s football final. However, this situation is nothing new for the Spaniard&#x27;s Tamaraws, who are on their third consecutive trip to the big dance.FEU is coming off an intense and fight-marred 1-0 victory over the dethroned University of the Philippines, which saw Season 85 Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon score a 76th-minute winner and Fighting Maroons coach Popoy Clarino and Tamaraws defender Mel Anthony Baylon sent off for their roles in a first-half scuffle.&quot;Well, it&#x27;s a very good feeling,&quot; said Oliver. &quot;It was a tough match (and a) very emotional match. We played the second half with all the best players. They fought like warriors so even I don&#x27;t have to describe the feelings. (I&#x27;m) so happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend.&quot;Ateneo, which topped the elimination round with 28 points, booked its ticket to the big dance by edging fourth-seed University of Santo Tomas 2-1 last Sunday behind Leo Maquiling and Jet Dela Cruz&#x27;s goals. The Blue Eagles also have the division&#x27;s top two scorers, Dov Cariño and Maquiling, who have 11 and eight goals respectively.The Blue Eagles are gunning for their ninth championship in the men&#x27;s division. Ateneo last won the gold back in Season 81 at the expense of its archrival De La Salle University courtesy of striker Jarvey Gayoso&#x27;s late equalizer and Julian Roxas&#x27; stoppage-time winner.For the Tamaraws, it may not only be a 12th championship at stake by the time both teams face off on Sunday but also a collegiate double with the FEU Lady Tamaraws and De La Salle Lady Booters facing off in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women&#x27;s Football Tournament on Saturday.

For the second time in three seasons, Far Eastern University and the Ateneo de Manila University will battle for championship glory in the finals of the UAAP men's football tournament.

For the second time in three seasons, Far Eastern University and the Ateneo de Manila University will battle for championship glory in the finals of the UAAP men's football tournament.

UAAP: FEU, Ateneo clash anew for men's football glory

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

UAAP: FEU, Ateneo clash anew for men's football glory

ABS-CBN News

Published December 15, 2024 06:00 AM PHT

Read More:

abssports

football

UAAP

UAAP Season 87

UAAP football

Ateneo Blue Eagles

FEU Tamaraws

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.