Philippines Football League side Ceres-Negros FC asserted their mastery over Indonesian side Bali United with a 4-0 win in a match played behind closed doors last night, 11 March 2020, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Despite the threat brought on by the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the three-time PFL champions made quick work of the Indonesian champions, scoring three goals in the second half to remain unbeaten in Group G with seven points.
OJ Porteria broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Stephan Schrock’s first time effort was parried by Bali’s Nadeo Winata only for the winger to convert the rebound.
Bienvenido Marañon scored twice in the 54th and 69th minutes to put Ceres three goals up before Robert Lopez Mendy slotted his first goals of the competition four minutes later to round up the result.
“We have the same game plan. We tried to control the ball attack and possession,” said Ceres-Negros FC head coach Risto Vidakovic. “We play against all the teams the same way and we are happy to score today.”
Man of the Match Schrock, who delivered three assists in the win, understood the reason why the match was played behind closed doors and understood that safety of everyone was the utmost priority.
“Despite the closed door match, we’re very proud of the team,” said Schrock. “It was not ideal to play behind closed doors but it is what it is. The safety of everyone is more important than the match.”
Ceres-Negros FC will face Bali United once again in a month’s time on 14 April 2020 at the Capt. I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali, Indonesia.
Photos from Ceres-Negros FC