The day started with an intense game in Alta Verapaz, where Cobán Imperial won by the minimum difference against Xelajú Mc in a closed duel and with few goal occasions. A controversial penalty in the final stretch of the meeting ended marking the difference in favor of the blue princes, who added their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
From the beginning, the meeting was characterized by the fight in the midfield, with both teams trying to impose its rhythm, but without generating constant danger in the areas. Xelajú, with an orderly scheme, managed to neutralize the attempts of the premises, while Cobán sought to generate spaces without success.
The attack plays were scarce during the first half. Cobán had greater possession, but did not find a way to overcome the defense of Altense. For his part, Xelajú tried to take advantage of the speed of his extremes to generate danger, although without clearing the rival goal.
The key moment of the party reached the 70th minute, when the referee sanctioned a doubtful penalty in favor of Imperial Cobán. The play generated immediate claims by the Xelajú players, who considered that there was no infraction within the area. However, the decision remained and a minute later, Delfino Álvarez charged precisely from the eleven steps to put the 1-0 on the scoreboard.
After the goal, Cobán Imperial tried to manage the advantage, while Xelajú advanced lines in search of the draw. However, the locals knew how to close spaces and maintained the defensive order to prevent visitors from achieving their mission.
The final stretch of the party became even more disputed, with the Altense team by pressing and charged defending with intensity. Despite Xela’s attempts to match the score, the time was not enough and the game concluded with victory for the blue princes.
With this triumph, Cobán Imperial reaches 16 points and provisionally rises to third place in the table, consolidating in the fight for the top positions of the championship. The victory represents an important impulse for those led by Roberto Montoya, who seek to maintain the good moment and continue adding in the upper part of the tournament.
For its part, Xelajú MC falls to the sixth place with 12 units, letting an important opportunity to stay in the first places. The Altense team must correct errors and focus on their upcoming commitments to avoid losing ground in the classification.
The result leaves sensations found, since Coban achieved victory, but without showing a clear domain in the game. The sanctioned penalty continues to generate debate, and Xelajú leaves with the feeling of having been able to obtain a better result.