Havana, December 13 (RHC) – The Clausura Tournament of the 108th National Football League reached its decisive stage with the teams from Santiago de Cuba and Havana vying for the title.
Santiago secured their place in the final with a resounding 5-0 victory over Cienfuegos.
The Red Devils’ superiority was undeniable in every aspect, and goals from Leandro Trujillo (23′), Cristian León (45′), Brayhan Salmón (47′), Miguel Caraballo (78′), and Ruslan Batista (81′) earned them a spot in the gold medal match.
Guantánamo, already eliminated from contention for the final, sought to secure a place in the bronze medal match and achieved this by defeating Las Tunas 2-1.
Despite Las Tunas taking an early lead with a goal from Sadir Sánchez in the 14th minute, Villa Clara created the clearest chances and equalized in the 40th minute with a goal from Rogelio García.
Randy Valier scored the go-ahead goal from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, sealing the victory for Guantánamo.
Havana and Villa Clara played a match that lived up to expectations, with both teams vying for a spot in the final.
Although both sides had opportunities to take the lead, the first half ended with the score tied at 0-0.
In the second half, Havana’s manager brought on striker Yoandir Puga, who, in just two minutes on the pitch, scored his 120th career goal, putting him only six shy of the all-time leading scorer in national tournaments, Serguey Prado.
Villa Clara attempted a comeback but fell short, and the game ended 1-0 in favor of the Lions, giving them the right to compete for the national championship title against Santiago de Cuba this Sunday.
The Central Express will have to settle for playing for the bronze medal against Guantánamo in the opening match of the day.
