In the 153rd edition of the National Classic, Plaza Amador defeated Tauro 0-1 at Yappy Park in a match that once again reflected the essence of one of the most emblematic rivalries in Panamanian football. The game, corresponding to matchday 12 of the 2026 Clausura Tournament of the Panamanian Football League, was played with high intensity and much dispute in the midfield, with two teams faithful to their styles. When a draw seemed sealed, the hierarchy of Alberto Quintero appeared, who in the 64th minute converted a penalty into the only goal of the match. The goal was enough for the Lions to manage the lead with order and defensive solidity against a Tauro that, despite trying, did not find the ways to equalize the score. "It's a classic, that's how it's played, and more so, since we are not playing for classification to semifinals, to play-offs, everything that is at stake here is important," said Méndez. "In the second half we had two or three to finish it off, they had two. The history was once again written with pride and character." "In the first half we made a line of five to counteract a bit and play on the counter," added Méndez. With this victory, the Lions reach 23 points and place themselves as leaders of the Eastern Conference, consolidating a positive streak that already sums up nine games without knowing defeat, with seven wins and two draws. In addition, they chain five consecutive wins and three consecutive games without conceding a goal. "Honestly, congratulate both teams, I think if we give a show, the people will come to the stadiums. Today we saw two teams, one that played in possession and another that played on the counter," said Méndez. "That is part of football. Both teams propose, that they go forward in different ways," he indicated. For its part, Tauro FC remains with 17 units, in a fight that continues to be open in the table. In the history, the balance continues to favor Tauro with 62 victories, against 47 of Plaza Amador and 44 draws, although in the last six confrontations both teams have shared wins, with three victories on each side. Other results San Francisco defeated Veraguas United 1-0 with a goal by Rolando Dinolis, a result that leaves the Monks with 13 points, one from the playoff positions. The team led by Jair Palacios is second with 21 points, while Umecit is third with 19, both in the Eastern Conference. "We had to try to take care of ourselves. Veraguas, for its part, maintains 15 units in the second box of the Western Conference. In another match, Alianza and Umecit drew 1-1. "Neither of the systems is right."
