Águila is in the Quarterfinals of the Central American Cup

Photo: Courtesy

Águila accomplished the task: winning in Panama, beating CAI 0-3, and secured a ticket to the Quarterfinals, where it will be the only Salvadoran team in that stage and the first in the country to achieve it under this modality. Its rival will be defined by a general table, which depends on the last match of this phase between Olimpia and Antigua, also members of this group C.

It was important for the feathered team to keep a cool head so as not to speculate on a draw and thus secure the objective. But the team from Miguel had a hard time adjusting to the wet Rommel Fernández pitch, due to the rain before the match, and due to the system implemented by the team from Canales.

Despite this, the black-oranges were more dangerous. They scared players with crosses from the wings, although they were not clear in their definition.

CAI was more dangerous with their attempts, which, luckily for the Aguiluchos, ended with shots going wide. One was saved by Julio Sibrián, from the goal line, with a poorly measured header by Benji Villalobos, who then recovered with his fists (39′).

These situations worried coach Daniel Messina, as many of them started with a lost ball due to some inaccuracy in the exit.

In the final minutes of the first half, Brazilian Dionathan Machado left injured, apparently with a strain, and had to be replaced by Dixon Rivas, which somewhat modified the initial 4-4-1-1 formation.

Águila started this part of the second half well, first by enclosing the Panamanians in their sector, then by putting pressure on and taking shots that worried the locals, who shouted desperately.

Until, from a corner kick, which Larín took to the first post, Ronald Rodríguez arrived and headed the first goal (57′), which strengthened the confidence with which the Migueleños came out.

They also gained defensive solidity from midfield, cutting the depth that CAI had gained in the first half. Now they fell into such desperation that even the coaching staff exhausted their substitutions at 70 minutes.

There was no improvement, Águila grew and sealed the victory with goals from Blas Sosa (77′), from an assist from Ortiz, and from Darwin Cerén, with a cross shot. Águila is in the next round, waiting for its rival to be confirmed, which will come out of a general table of all the groups.