SHS-Ateneo alumni exact revenge on Bosconians in El Clasico Deux

CEBU, Philippines — The Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) embraced the underdog tag but rose to the occasion, stunning archrival Don Bosco Technical College with a 2-0 victory in the marquee alumni rematch of El Clasico Deux at the Dynamic Herb–Borromeo Sports Complex in South Road Properties over the weekend.

The Magis Eagles set the tone early, with their elementary squad carving out a 2-1 win.

Don Bosco struck first through Juancho Eduardo Sese in the 32nd minute, but Ateneo’s Aaron Malachi Lee turned the tide in the second half, netting back-to-back goals in the 57th and 73rd to avenge last year’s defeat.

Don Bosco answered in the high school division, pulling off a 2-1 triumph of their own.

A lengthy pause before halftime due to bad weather allowed the Greywolves to regroup and Yuki Ceniza broke through in the 49th minute, followed by Cody Caldoza in the 62nd.

  Ateneo’s Kobe Caneda pulled one back in the 70th, but could only do as much.

With the series tied at one apiece, the alumni showdown added more pressure to both squads.

  Ateneo, wary of Don Bosco’s stacked lineup, labeled themselves underdogs, though organizers dismissed the notion, recalling last year’s nail-biting penalty shootout that went down to the final kicker.

The opening 40 minutes of the three-part alumni match ended scoreless, until Ateneo stalwart Miguel Kwan converted a penalty in the 67th minute to put his side ahead.

Then came the turning point.

Last year’s hero, pro goalkeeper Kenry Balobo, blundered on the 98th minute, allowing James Rufin to deliver the clincher for Ateneo.

The alumni triumph sealed Ateneo’s revenge and capped a night of spirited football.