Apertura Tournament

Havana, July 13 (RHC) - The final of the Apertura (Opening) Tournament of the 108th National Football League left an unprecedented champion since this format was introduced in 2019: the Leones de la Capital (Lions of the Capital). 

The team led by Lázaro Rivero arrived at the Rogelio Palacios stadium in the far east of the country to face the Titanes de Guantánamo, who deserved the venue for finishing as the best team in the regular stage of the competition.

The duel was more tactical than physical, with alternating dominance by both teams. The Havana players tried to take advantage of the width and spaces and through the flank came the cross that Enzo Viamontes scored in the 25th minute; the Guantanameros tried to impose the best physicality, speed, and dominance of the aerial game.

The advantage forced the visitors to reinforce the defense of their own area, they gathered troops in that sector and gave the initiative to the home team.

Guantánamo took advantage of the advantage and continued to lay siege to the opponent's goal throughout the second half, so much so that they had more than one chance, but without success in the definition.

The Lions were just trying to counterattack, with few players in order not to take risks and with speed to punish the spaces left by an opponent who went on the attack.

Guantanamo could not overcome and the goal was enough for Havana to win the title more than 20 years later, since the 2000-2001 league.

In this case it is an intermediate champion trophy, although it gives the possibility of fighting for the Super Cup at the end of the season.

The winner does not deserve the title of national champion, that will go to the winner of the Clausura, but nobody doubts that the young Havana team launched its candidacy and until then they will enjoy a lot of success. They deserve it.

Source: JIT