UNIVERSITY of the Philippines downed holder Far Eastern University, 2-0, in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday night in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Football Tournament at the UP Football Stadium.

Ramil Bation III scored his ninth goal of the season with a 13th-minute goal while Benjamin Palacio III doubled the Fighting Maroons lead 12 minutes later.

The loss ended the Tamaraws' eight-match undefeated streak.

UP improved to 22 points, two clear of FEU, which dropped to second in the standings.

UAAP Season 86 Men's Football Standings
*UP 24 pts (+10 GD)
*FEU 22 pts. (+12)
*UST 20 (+15)
Ateneo 17 (+2)
DLSU 15 (+4)
UE 7 (-18)
AdU 3 (-25)

Head coach Popoy Clarino was satisfied with the way the Fighting Maroons performed against the Tamaraws, who failed to score a goal in a match this season.

"We prepared for this game and we know that FEU's going to come out [strong]. FEU is the defending champion, but we want to gain confidence heading into the semifinals. This is one of those games that we can learn something from.

Matches Saturday
(UP Football Stadium)
4 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
6:30 p.m. – DLSU vs FEU (Women)," said Clarino.