Antigua GFC made history this Saturday by being crowned the first champion of the Bantrab Super Cup after defeating Aurora FC in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Cementos Progreso Stadium, in Guatemala City.
The duel ended goalless after 120 minutes of intense dispute.
The match reflected the parity between both teams.
Antigua dominated possession during several passages of the match, but was met with timely interventions by Aurinegro goalkeeper Liborio Sánchez, while Aurora responded with defensive order to maintain the tie.
The tension increased in extra time, when both teams finished with ten players.
José Mario Rosales was sent off for Antigua and, shortly after, Pablo Mingorance saw the red card in Aurora, leaving the two teams on equal terms.
With the score at 0-0, the champion was determined from the penalty spot. Antigua showed greater effectiveness in the round and lifted the first trophy of the Bantrab Super Cup, after winning a close and highly contested final.
The penalty shootout was a spectacle. The definition extended to 20 cashes and was marked by tension and controversy from the first launches.
The most discussed moment came with Antigua’s fifth penalty. Alejandro González failed in his first attempt, stopped by Liborio Sánchez, but the referee ordered the charge to be repeated considering that the Aurora goalkeeper stepped forward before the shot.
In the second execution, González converted and kept the colonials alive.
Antigua’s goalkeeper, José Luis Morán, was also decisive during the definition. His interventions allowed his team to continue competing in a round that lasted much longer than usual.
Colombian Camilo Mora scored the decisive penalty to secure the title and unleash the euphoria of the colonial fans at the Cementos Progreso Stadium.
Antigua GFC, directed by Mauricio Tapia, became the first champion of the Bantrab Super Cup and won the prize of Q600,000 destined for the winner of the tournament.