It was a productive weekend for Mexicans in soccer, since two Aztecs who work abroad were crowned in the leagues of the countries where they work. On the one hand, the DT did it Efrain Juarez, who achieved the double in Colombia and, on the other, striker Óscar Raí Villa, who also scored a goal in the final.
He Xelaju defeated Cobán Imperial 3-0 (3-2 on aggregate score) and became the new champion of Guatemalan soccerled by the local coach, Amarini Villatoro, and the Mexican striker, Óscar Raí Villa de los Reyes.
Today’s victory, achieved in extra time, allowed Xelajú to obtain the seventh title in its history since its founding in 1942 and overwhelmed the madness in the department (province) of Quetzaltenango, in the west of Guatemalan territory.
In the first leg, held a week ago, Cobán Imperial had asserted its home status by winning 2-0. However, for this Saturday’s duel, the club led by Mexican Roberto Montoya lacked strength in attack and deflated in overtime.
Villatoro, former Guatemalan coach, had already accredited the Apertura 2023 tournament with Xelajú, so winning the Apertura 2024 tournament this Saturday represents his second championship won in two years.
The Mexican Villa de los Reyes was transcendental for Xelajú in this Saturday’s match after scoring the goal that started the comeback, in the 64th minute.
Later, when the party was dying, Kevin Ruiz sentenced the 2-0at minute 93thus giving way to the extensiondue to the aggregate score of 2-2.
The goal was a emotional blow for Cobán Imperial and also caused the expulsion of one of its players, Óscar Mejía, after mutually attacking the Xelajú coach, Amarini Villatoro, former Guatemalan coach.
With the support of more than 10,000 fans in the stands at the Mario Camposeco stadium in Quetzaltenango, Xelajú obtained the final 3-0 and therefore the championship goal through Harim Quezada, with a header, in the 104th minute.
After the final whistle, the local team players overflowed with celebration, as did thousands of people in the stands and throughout Quetzaltenango, the second most important city in the Central American country.
The last champion, Municipal, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the current competition at the hands of Antigua.
Municipal and Comunicaciones, the two most popular and winning clubs in local soccer, each have 32 Major League titles in their cabinets, followed by Aurora (8), Xelajú (7) and Antigua (4).
*With information from EFE.
Keep reading:
· Historical Mexican: Efraín Juárez wins the league with Atlético Nacional and achieves the double in Colombia
· Efraín Juárez half a step away from glory with Atlético Nacional
· Efraín Juárez has the full support of Atlético Nacional