Marathon took all three points from their trip to Atletico Cholo in the National League's Apertura, winning 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal. The visitors, sitting third in the table, closed out a difficult away fixture with a result that extends their unbeaten run.
J. Paz found the net in the 90th minute plus three to settle the match, and here's the thing — it all came down to that one moment. Atletico Cholo had spent the game trying to find a way through, but Marathon kept their heads and made the most of a single chance.
The match was never short of incidents. Yellow cards came thick and fast: A. Fajardo for Atletico Cholo in the 13th minute, then C. Sevilla, H. Castillo and J. Pineda before half-time. More followed from both sides, with J. Barrios, F. E. Martinez Hernandez, and J. Bueso all joining the list by the final whistle.
Substitutions started flowing from the 55th minute as both managers searched for something. Y. Mejia, J. Suazo, O. Zamora, L. Ferreira, C. Gaido, O. Ramos and Alvarado all entered the fray, but none could change the outcome. The hosts threw bodies forward in the closing stages, but Marathon defended well.
On the numbers, Atletico Cholo dominated possession at 47 per cent and won 12 corners to Marathon's four. They managed seven shots off target and four on target, while the visitors recorded six shots on target from 12 attempts overall. More attempts, fewer chances — and one goal.
Marathon move clear with 11 points from five games, remaining unbeaten. Atletico Cholo drop further behind in the table, sitting ninth with four points from six matches and four defeats. The gap between them grows.