UAAP: UST men blank Ateneo for breakthrough win

UST celebrates a goal against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, October 15, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA — University of Santo Tomas claimed its first win in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament behind a fine performance from midfielder Renan Ballespin on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Bellespin starred in UST’s 2-0 win over Ateneo de Manila University, tallying an assist and a goal to give the Golden Booters three points.

Ballespin found Novie Paraiso making a run toward the middle of the box just seconds before halftime, setting up his teammate for the opening goal.

The graduating senior then capitalized on the space afforded to him just four minutes into the second half, doubling UST’s lead and giving the Golden Booters enough cushion to see out the victory as their defense held firm against Ateneo’s attempts to fight back.

Ateneo, meanwhile, had several opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but team captain Dov Cariño struggled to find room to operate as UST kept him in check.

The graduating midfielder also had a golden opportunity to pull one back in second-half stoppage time, but he was unable to get back inside the box before Mark Daig collected the ball.

The Blue Eagles remained in sixth place with one point and a goal difference of minus-six.

UST will look to make it two consecutive wins when it faces the University of the East on Sunday, October 18, at 4:30 p.m. Ateneo, meanwhile, will seek its first victory against the same UE squad on Thursday, October 22, at 2 p.m.