If there is a team in Guatemalan soccer that has learned to suffer before celebrating, it is Xelaju MC. Throughout their history, the super goats have shown that the most memorable deeds are born in the midst of adversity, and this time does not seem to be the exception.
The panorama is offered uphill. The 4-1 win suffered in the first leg against Municipal has the reds one step away from title 33 and with the possibility of being crowned again at the Mario Camposeco stadium, just as happened in the Clausura 2010. The blow was hard and left the sensation of a mountain almost impossible to climb.
But talking about Xelajú in these circumstances is talking about a team that knows how to be reborn. When he appears mortally wounded, he resurfaces with the strength of a phoenix. He has plenty of pride, character and determination. He has done it before, when many gave up on him and he ended up lifting the scepter.
The first great comeback came in the Clausura 2007. Deportivo Marquense had won the first leg 1-0, with a goal from Derick Hulse, and seemed to have half the title assured. However, in the return, the team led by Carlos Daniel Jurado turned the Marquesa de la Ensenada into its fortress. An unforgettable hat trick from Johny Cubero and a goal from Israel Silva sealed the 4-1 victory that gave Xela its fourth crown.
Five years later, at the Clausura 2012with the Tico Hernán Medford at the helm, the challenge was even greater: Municipal had won 1-0 with a goal from Eliseo Quintanilla. But Mario Camposeco exploded with goals from Israel Silva and Wilber Caal. Although Manuel de León took the series to penalties, Fernando Patterson appeared with a monumental performance, to seal the 3-1 victory from 11 steps and give away the sixth moon.
Amarini double
History repeated itself in Clausura 2023. In his first final as coach, Amarini Villatoro He was pursuing the title he promised since his arrival. Antigua GFC was their rival, and had struck first with a 2-0 at Pensativo, thanks to Cristian Hernández and Carlos Mejía. Everything seemed defined. But, in Quetzaltenango, Óscar Raí Villa and a double from Frank de León built an epic night for the 3-0 that returned glory.
The most recent was in the Apertura 2024 against Cobán Imperial. After losing 2-0 in the first leg with a double from Óscar Mejía, the Cobaneros dreamed of celebrating. But no one should celebrate early when visiting Xela. Eduardo Soto —own goal—, Kevin Ruiz and Harim Quezada made it 3-0, in extra time, which gave the seventh moon.
Today, History once again puts Xelajú against the wall, but it also reminds him that coming back is part of his essence. Mario Camposeco It will be full again, its fans will play their own game and believe until the last second, because in Quetzaltenango no one yet dares to consider the hope of another unforgettable night extinguished.