Valenzuela PB-Mendiola Edge Stallion Laguna 3-2 in Five-Goal UFL Thriller

Valenzuela PB-Mendiola produced a resilient away performance to beat Stallion Laguna FC 3-2 in the Philippines United Football League on 8 November 2026, coming from behind twice before snatching the winner late in the second half.

The match at the Biñan Football Stadium had the feel of a classic UFL encounter from the opening minutes. Stallion Laguna started brightly in front of their home support, pressing high and forcing Valenzuela into early defensive errors. That pressure told inside the first quarter of an hour, when Andres Villanueva latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area and finished calmly to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Valenzuela responded with composure rather than panic. The visitors gradually worked their way into the game by dropping their midfielders deeper to create space for quick transitions. Their equaliser arrived in the 31st minute through Carlo Ledesma, who timed his run into the box perfectly and converted a low cross from the right. The goal changed the tempo of the contest, with both sides trading possession and chances before the interval.

Match Overview

• Competition: Philippines United Football League
• Match: Stallion Laguna FC vs Valenzuela PB-Mendiola
• Date: 8 November 2026
• Final score: Stallion Laguna FC 2-3 Valenzuela PB-Mendiola
• Key performers: Carlo Ledesma (Valenzuela PB-Mendiola), Andres Villanueva (Stallion Laguna FC), Tomas Ferraz (Valenzuela PB-Mendiola)

The second half opened with Valenzuela on the front foot. Their midfield began to win more second balls, and Stallion’s high defensive line was repeatedly exposed by diagonal passes into the channels. Valenzuela took the lead for the first time in the 54th minute when Ledesma scored his second of the afternoon, finishing off a swift counterattack that started deep in the visitors’ half.

Stallion, however, showed why they remain a dangerous side in the UFL. The hosts restored parity in the 67th minute through Kian Mercado, who rose highest from a corner and powered a header past the Valenzuela goalkeeper. For a stretch, it looked as though the match might swing back in Stallion’s favour, with the home side pushing numbers forward and forcing a series of set pieces.

Key Moments

The decisive moment came in the 86th minute. With Stallion committed to attack, Valenzuela broke quickly through substitute Tomas Ferraz. The forward carried the ball into the box, shifted it onto his stronger foot and placed a low shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Stallion pushed for a late equaliser, but Valenzuela’s defence held firm through five minutes of stoppage time.

Valenzuela’s goalkeeper also produced a crucial save in the closing stages, denying a close-range effort from a Stallion forward after a goalmouth scramble. That stop proved just as important as the winning goal, preserving all three points for the visitors.

Tactical Story

Stallion Laguna began in a 4-3-3 shape, looking to use width and early crosses to test Valenzuela’s back line. The early goal rewarded that approach, but the hosts struggled to control the game once Valenzuela adjusted their pressing triggers. Stallion’s full-backs pushed high, leaving space behind for Valenzuela’s wide players to exploit on the counter.

Valenzuela set up in a 4-2-3-1 and were content to absorb pressure before striking in transition. Their two holding midfielders protected the centre, while Ledesma drifted between the lines to link play and arrive late in the box. The tactical battle was particularly evident after the hour mark, when Stallion chased the game and Valenzuela became more dangerous with every turnover.

Standout Players

Carlo Ledesma was the away side’s standout performer, scoring twice and continually finding space between Stallion’s midfield and defence. His movement for the second goal was especially impressive, timing his run to stay onside before finishing with composure.

Andres Villanueva gave Stallion an early lift with a well-taken opener and remained a threat throughout. Kian Mercado also impressed with his equalising header and physical presence in the box. For Valenzuela, Tomas Ferraz made the difference from the bench, while the goalkeeper’s late save secured the win.

Season Impact

The three points are significant for Valenzuela PB-Mendiola, who strengthen their position in the upper half of the Philippines United Football League standings. The away win also improves their head-to-head record against a direct rival and gives the squad momentum heading into the next round of fixtures.