Antigua is crowned two-time champion in the Guatemalan league final that ends in pitch invasion and a free-for-all
The colonial club was crowned in the Guatemalan Apertura with a favorable aggregate score and added its sixth title, on a chaotic night at the Estadio del Trebol
Antigua conquered the Guatemalan Apertura tournament this Saturday and linked its second consecutive title, despite losing 1-0 to Municipal. The team managed by Argentine Mauricio Tapia won the final series with a 2-1 aggregate score, thanks to their 2-0 victory in the first leg played a week earlier.
Municipal won the second leg, but it wasn't enough
The second leg was played in Guatemala City, where Municipal won with a goal by Cesar Calderon in the 22nd minute. However, the narrow advantage wasn't enough to overturn the aggregate score or prevent Antigua from celebrating another championship.
Brawl and pitch invasion marred the final
The match ended in a brawl between members of both teams and a pitch invasion at El Trebol stadium by some 500 fans, creating tense moments after the final whistle.
Riot police from the National Civil Police had to intervene to remove the invaders and protect the Antigua players, who had to run to the locker room Given the situation.
Champion's Award Ceremony Suspended
Due to the brawl and the invasion of the pitch, the awards ceremony was suspended, as the Antigua players were unable to return to the field to receive the Guatemalan Apertura trophy.
Antigua Wins Its Sixth Title and Confirms Its Dominance
This championship represents the sixth title in the history of Antigua, a club that won its first trophy 10 years ago, since its founding in 1958. Furthermore, the Antigua Guatemala team seems to have the number of Municipal, one of the most successful clubs in the country.
For the second consecutive time, Antigua was crowned champion at El Trebol stadium, before approximately 7,000 fans, snatching the title from the Scarlet team on their own turf.
Luis Moran and Mauricio Tapia,Keys to Success
One of the champion's key figures was goalkeeper Luis Moran,who prevented a tie on at least four occasions and maintained the aggregate lead against Municipal.
Argentine coach Mauricio Tapia continues to solidify his legacy, having led Antigua to five of its six titles, becoming a historic figure for the club.
The First Leg Paved the Way to the Title
The first leg was played on Saturday, December 20th in Antigua Guatemala, with the home team winning 2-0, thanks to goals from Argentine Juan Apaolaza and Guatemalan international Oscar Santis, a result that proved decisive for the championship.