Atletico Rio Abajo 2-3 Club Deportivo Rex FC — Club Deportivo Rex FC edged a five-goal thriller against Atletico Rio Abajo in BRA LP action on Saturday, September 12, 2026, winning 3-2 thanks to a late strike from Diego Santos, who completed his brace in the 89th minute.

The match was a rollercoaster of attacking football, with both defenses struggling to contain wave after wave of pressure. Rex FC took the lead early, Rio Abajo fought back twice, but the visitors found a dramatic winner just before full-time to snatch all three points.

Match Overview

Rex FC started the brighter and were rewarded in the 12th minute when Diego Santos latched onto a through ball and slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper. Rio Abajo responded well and equalized in the 28th minute through Carlos Mendoza, who finished a neat team move with a low drive into the bottom corner.

The second half was equally frenetic. Rex FC regained the lead in the 54th minute when Luis Mendoza headed home a corner at the near post. Rio Abajo refused to lie down, and in the 76th minute, Juan Pérez converted a penalty after a handball in the box. Just as the game seemed headed for a draw, Santos popped up in the 89th minute, pouncing on a defensive error and firing into the roof of the net.

Key Moments

• 12' — Goal! Diego Santos opens the scoring for Rex FC with a clinical finish.
• 28' — Goal! Carlos Mendoza equalizes for Atletico Rio Abajo.
• 54' — Goal! Luis Mendoza heads Rex FC back in front from a corner.
• 76' — Goal! Juan Pérez scores a penalty to make it 2-2.
• 89' — Goal! Diego Santos scores the winner for Rex FC.
• 90+4' — Rio Abajo's final attack is cleared, and the referee ends the match.

Tactical Story

Rex FC set up to counterattack, using the pace of their wingers to exploit Rio Abajo's high defensive line. The strategy worked perfectly, especially in the first and final stages of the game. Rio Abajo dominated possession for long spells but were repeatedly caught out by quick transitions.

Defensively, both teams were vulnerable. Rio Abajo's midfield failed to track runners, while Rex FC's back four looked shaky when dealing with crosses. In the end, it was Rex FC's ruthlessness in front of goal that made the difference.

Standout Players

Diego Santos (Club Deportivo Rex FC) — The forward was the hero of the match, scoring twice, including the dramatic late winner. His movement off the ball caused Rio Abajo problems all afternoon.

Carlos Mendoza (Atletico Rio Abajo) — The home side's best player, he scored a fine goal and was a constant threat with his dribbling and link-up play.

Luis Mendoza (Club Deportivo Rex FC) — His headed goal was a highlight, and he controlled the midfield tempo with intelligent passing.

BRA LP Table Impact

With this victory, Rex FC move up to fifth in the BRA LP standings, closing the gap on the top four. Atletico Rio Abajo remain ninth, still searching for consistency. The five-goal thriller will be remembered as one of the most entertaining matches of the season so far.

What's Next

Rex FC will look to build on this performance when they host Sporting SM next weekend. Atletico Rio Abajo travel to face Unión Deportiva, hoping to tighten up a defense that has now conceded three goals in each of their last two matches.