Maraton defeated Antigua GFC 3-0 in the CONCACAF Central American Cup group stage on Thursday. The visitors took control after a cagey opening period and sealed their progress with a second-half barrage. Antigua had enjoyed more of the ball but could not convert their advantage into goals.
N. Messiniti gave the home side hope with two quick strikes just before the interval. The first arrived on the stroke of half-time and the second followed two minutes into stoppage time. Antigua led 2-0 at the break and seemed set to extend their advantage.
And here's the thing about matches like this — momentum shifts faster than anyone expects. Y. Moreno opened the second half with a double in rapid succession, turning the scoreline on its head. D. Ramirez then added a third to put the result beyond doubt. Maraton had scored three goals in ten minutes while Antigua offered nothing in reply.
The turning point came earlier than the goals suggest. J. Carbonell received a yellow card in the sixty-eighth minute and a second just before the final whistle. He was sent off and left his side short of numbers at a crucial stage. By then Maraton had already taken control of the game.
The statistics tell a different story from the result. Antigua enjoyed 58 per cent possession and registered 109 attacks compared with 86 for the visitors. They took fifteen shots on target but managed only two on target. Maraton were more clinical with five attempts on target producing three goals.
To be fair, Antigua had been in good form recently, winning two of their last five matches. They had beaten Guastatoya 2-0 and Marquenese 3-1 before losing to Real Esteli and Alianza. Maraton's run had been steadier, with four draws in their last five outings.
The result leaves Maraton in a strong position in the group. Antigua now face the task of recovering from a heavy defeat away from home. One mistake ends it, and the red card proved decisive in a game that could have gone either way.