Deportivo San Pedro edge Antigua GFC in seven-goal Liga Nacional classic

Deportivo San Pedro produced a stunning comeback to beat Antigua GFC 4-3 in a breathless Liga Nacional contest on 31 August 2026. The hosts overturned a second-half deficit with two late goals, collecting a vital three points in front of their home supporters. The result underlined San Pedro’s attacking potential while leaving Antigua GFC to reflect on a lost opportunity in a match that delivered drama from start to finish.

Match overview

From the opening whistle, both teams played with an aggressive, front-foot approach. Deportivo San Pedro looked to press high and feed their wide forwards, while Antigua GFC relied on quick transitions and the individual quality of their attacking midfielders. The early exchanges were frantic, with both defences struggling to cope with the pace of the game.

The home side took the lead midway through the first half when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Antigua GFC responded almost immediately, equalising through a header from a corner, and the match quickly developed into an open, end-to-end affair. San Pedro restored their advantage just before the interval with a penalty, sending the teams into the break with the score at 2-1.

Key moments

• San Pedro opener: The hosts pounced on a defensive lapse and finished clinically after a patient build-up.
• Antigua’s equaliser: A towering header from a well-delivered corner levelled the match and gave the visitors momentum.
• Penalty before half-time: San Pedro were awarded a spot-kick after a clumsy challenge in the box and converted to regain the lead.
• Antigua’s comeback: Two quick goals after the hour mark flipped the match on its head, putting the visitors 3-2 ahead.
• San Pedro’s late surge: A 78th-minute equaliser and a stoppage-time winner completed a memorable home triumph.

Tactical story

Deportivo San Pedro’s willingness to commit numbers forward made them vulnerable at the back, but it also gave them a constant threat in the final third. Antigua GFC appeared happy to absorb pressure and hit on the break, and that plan worked well when they restored their lead with two clinical counter-attacks. However, the visitors dropped far too deep in the final 15 minutes, allowing San Pedro to pile on pressure and ultimately break through.

San Pedro’s substitutes also played a decisive role, injecting fresh energy into the attack late in the match. The width they provided stretched Antigua’s tired back line and created the space for the dramatic finish.

Standout performers

• San Pedro’s leading forward: Always available between the lines, he scored once and won the penalty that gave his side a half-time lead.
• Home team’s attacking substitute: His pace and direct running changed the game in the closing stages, and he was involved in both late goals.
• Antigua’s creative midfielder: He pulled the strings for the visitors and was instrumental in two of their three goals, but his influence faded as San Pedro pushed forward.

Table impact

The result gives Deportivo San Pedro a valuable boost in the Liga Nacional standings. Coming from behind to beat one of the league’s most dangerous sides will give the squad real confidence as the season progresses. For Antigua GFC, the defeat is a painful missed chance to climb the table, and they will need to tighten up defensively if they want to challenge the leading pack in upcoming rounds.

Matches like this are a reminder of the wonderful unpredictability of Guatemalan football. San Pedro will celebrate the three points, but both teams know there is still plenty of work to do before the season reaches its decisive stage.