GLOBAL kept a three-point lead in the United Football League even after squandering a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw against Ceres-La Salle at Rizal Memorial Stadium last Sunday.
Clashing for the first time since the UFL Cup finals last April, Global and Ceres picked up a point each after another highly emotional battle between the last two league champions.
Misagh Bahadoran and Ivan Petrovic put Global ahead, 2-0, in the first 25 minutes before Adrian Gallardo pulled a goal back at halftime.
Hikaru Minegishi restored Global’s two-goal lead, before quickfire strikes from Gallardo and Bienvenido Marañon set the stage for a thrilling final 10 minutes.
Global finished the game with 10 men after defender Jerry Barbaso was booked for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
“We’re still top of the table and if we can repeat what we have done (in the first round), we’ll be champions,” said Global coach Lay Manson. “Obviously, we’re disappointed to have lost a 3-1 lead.”
Ceres coach Ali Go said Global has always been tough.
“They always give their everything against us,” said Go.