UAAP: Bation penalty lifts UP over UE

UP’s Ramil Bation III in action against UE in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, October 15, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA — The University of the Philippines labored to a slim 1-0 win over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Ramil Bation III converted a penalty in the 36th minute to give the Fighting Maroons a lead that they would maintain until the final whistle.

Josh Garces won the penalty after he was brought down by Carlo Gomez inside the box, and Bation stepped up to bury his spot kick.

The Fighting Maroons were unable to add to their goal, however, despite Cian Galsim’s efforts.

UP’s performance was far from their standard, said head coach Popoy Clarino. 

“We were very selfish in our decisions and our actions. We need to learn how to be more, to be selfless, to be of service to others first to make sure that, every action I make, my teammate can get better,” he said. 

UP remained in third place with seven points and a goal difference of plus-two. The Fighting Maroons will next face Far Eastern University on Sunday at 7 p.m. in a rematch of last season’s Finals.

UE will continue its search for a breakthrough victory when it takes on the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.