MANILA, Philippines—Arnel Amita delivered a hat-trick as defending champion Far Eastern University demolished Ateneo, 4-0, Thursday to gain top spot in the UAAP Season 77 men’s football tournament at FEU-Diliman pitch.
The fleet-footed midfielder opened the scoring from the penalty spot late in the first half before sparking a second-half barrage that took the fight out of the Blue Eagles.
The win boosted FEU’s output to 24 points like University of the Philippines, but FEU has a better goal difference after scoring nine goals while conceding once in their last two outings.
With 22 points, the Eagles stayed within Final Four range despite the loss.
But National U trimmed the gap to just two points after late Paolo Salenga strike lifted the Bulldogs past University of Santo Tomas, 2-1.
Amita, fouled by Jin Montemayor inside the box, sent Ateneo keeper JP Oracion the wrong way on his spot kick in the 38th minute. He doubled his tally in the 68th minute with a well struck volley before completing his hat-trick six minutes from time with a cool finish.
Eric Giganto accounted for FEU’s other goal in the 56th minute.