The set of Cobán Imperial will face one of the most demanding tests of the Clausura 2026 tournament when it visits Xelajú MC at the Mario Camposeco stadium, in Quetzaltenango, at the closing of the qualifying phase of the national competition.
Matchday 22 will be played simultaneously in its six matches, a decisive date in which the final positions of the eight teams classified for the final phase will be defined.
In addition, four clubs are still fighting for the lead in the tournament; The pairings for the quarterfinals will be known and the second team that will be relegated to the First Division, accompanying Achuapa, will also be defined in a fight that remains red hot.
The Coban team faces this commitment with a serious problem in goal, after confirming the absence of its two goalkeepers from the first team.
The starting goalkeeper, Tomás Casas, who is fighting to finish the tournament as the least defeated in the championship, was ruled out after being injured after conceding a goal the previous day. The goalkeeper was taken to a care center and is resting, so he will not be available for this last match of the qualifying phase.
Added to this loss is that of the substitute goalkeeper, Víctor Ayala, who underwent surgery on his Achilles heel, an injury that will keep him away from the fields for several months.
Bet on youth
Given this scenario, Uruguayan coach Martín García will be forced to turn to the Coban youth team, as he does not have another goalkeeper available in the senior squad. The coach called up two young goalkeepers, who could make their official debut with the first team.
The main candidate to defend the Princes Charming goal is Luis Ángel Pereira, who had already been called to the bench in other games, but now everything indicates that he will assume responsibility from the beginning. As an alternative there will be Leyton Smaller Leas, who will be the second goalkeeper for this match.
A highly demanding challenge
The challenge will not be easy for Cobán Imperial or the young goalkeepers, as they will face a Xelajú MC that is fighting to remain at the top of the qualifying phase and will seek to become stronger at home.
Despite the difficulty of the scenario, both goalkeepers arrive with the conviction of responding during the 90 minutes, in a match that will mark not only the closing of the regular phase, but also an opportunity for the Coban youth to take a step forward in a crucial moment of the national championship.
