ATENEO flipped the switch in the second half to beat fabled rival De La Salle, 4-1, to secure full points in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men's football tournament Thursday night before a huge crowd at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

After encountering first-half struggles, the Blue Eagles got their rhythm going with a couple of completed corners and Jet dela Cruz producing a second-half brace for their second consecutive win.

“Wow! Two goals? It’s a great performance from him,” said coach JP Merida. “It’s unbelievable positioning in set pieces so we’re really happy dun sa nangyari. It’s nice for him to score two goals.

With six points, Ateneo is now level with Far Eastern University, which defeated University of the East in today’s opening match, 3-0, but the Katipunan-based side is behind on goal difference.

Dela Cruz opened the Blue Eagles account in the 49th minute, scoring a header off a Matti Roxas free kick.

The Green Booters did not take too long for the equalizer as Luis Henares struck in the 51st minute.

Off an Ateneo corner, Dela Cruz broke the standoff with a 55th-minute goal.

Fonzy Escobin then headed home a Leo Maquiling cross in the 62nd minute, connecting another Blue Eagles corner for a 3-1 lead.

Galen Hernandez put the icing on the cake with a stoppage-time goal off a Dov Cariño assist.

Now with back-to-back wins, Ateneo will face off against Season 86 finalist FEU this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on the same Quezon City pitch.

“A lot of adjustments in the second half. I think yun yung nagbigay ng keys sa amin to create goals. Of course, I’m really happy with my players because they performed really well today,” said Merida.

De La Salle, meanwhile, remained at one point. The Green Booters will also return this Sunday against the UST Golden Booters at 2 p.m. at the same venue.
The rivalry match started 14th minute.

Originally scheduled last Sept. 15., the supposed season opener between both teams was abandoned after 14 minutes due to a thunderstorm and concerns for players’ safety.