The Xelajú MC confirmed its regularity in the competition by beating Deportivo Achuapa 3-0 at the Mario Camposeco stadium, a result that allows them to reach 33 points, assume the leadership of the 2026 Clausura Tournament and ensure their classification to the Guatemalan soccer league.
The day was favorable for the Altense team, but negative for Achuapa, which after this defeat lost its category and became the first team relegated to the First Division.
From the beginning, Xelajú MC took control of the match. With high pressure, ball handling and depth on the wings, the Quetzaltecan team dominated the match against an Achuapa with no ability to react.
The first goal came within a minute 17, when Elmer William Cardona rose inside the area to head in a cross from Jesús “Chucho” López and beat goalkeeper Luis Ruiz.
The local team maintained the intensity and generated danger. To the minute 26, Harin Quezada took the opportunity to score the second of the night after a good combination play with Cardona; The onion defense failed to clear and the attacker scored for the superchidos to make it 2-0.
Achuapa tried to advance lines, but generated few options. Darío Silva, Altense goalkeeper, was not required in the first half.
Sentence in the complement
In the second half, the match maintained the same dynamic. Xelajú MC extended the lead in the 54th minute, again through Harin Quezada, who signed his double after connecting with a precise cross from Javier “Zurdito” González for 3-0.
The visiting team had a clear opportunity through Carlos Mejía, but his shot went widedo. Despite this, the Altenses continued looking to increase the score, while Achuapa tried to react in search of a discount.
The goats were no longer able to increase the lead; However, in the 88th minute a maximum penalty was sanctioned in favor of the Onion team. Carlos “Caliche” Santos was in charge of taking the penalty, but his shot went over the goal after a poor execution, letting the discount option escape and sealing the final result.
Presented by @BetcrisGuate
⏱️ End of the match
🐐 Xelajú 3-0 Achuapa 🥬
⚽ Goals: Elmer Cardoza 16′ – Harim Quezada 27′, 55′
📌 Matchday 9 | Second Round
📌 Senior Category – Closing 2026
📝 Qualification Phase📸 @FuentesVilcar pic.twitter.com/wNxU8uJSp7
— Liga Bantrab (@LigaBantrab) April 17, 2026
Achuapa descends
The relegation of Deportivo Achuapa, led by Álvaro García, reflects one of the lowest performances of the contest. After reaching the semifinals in the previous tournament and starting Clausura 2026 With favorable results, the Onion team had a drop in its performance: in the last 13 days it only achieved one victory and suffered 12 defeats, figures that condemned it.
The lack of results, defensive errors and an ineffective offensive were decisive in the loss of category of the Jutiapaneco team, which will now have to rethink its project in the First Division.
On the next day, Achuapa will receive Cobán Imperial, while Xelajú MC will visit Mixco, with the aim of securing first place of the qualifying phase.