Fernando Escalante does not feel pressure ahead of Deportivo Marquense's match against San Pedro, but he does know the significance of the opening game in the novena jornada of Apertura 2026. The two teams will meet today at 20:00 hours in Liga Nacional action, with Marquinense - San Pedro set to open the round.
Escalante comes into the match after scoring one of the goals against Comunicaciones, and he said the challenge in tonight's game is no different from what players face on every visit to a difficult ground. "Presión hay en todas las canchas, no era fácil ir a jugarle a su casa a Comunicaciones, los equipos en Guatemala tratan de hacerse fuertes en casa y lo han demostrado, ahora nos toca demostrarlo en casa y buscar la victoria contra San Pedro," he said.
A rivalry with added meaning
The game also carries extra weight because Deportivo Marquense and San Pedro are considered acérrimo rivals. Escalante pointed to how close the clubs are geographically and said that makes this kind of matchup feel special. "Sabemos la rivalidad que hay con San Pedro, hay un ambiente tenso, estamos muy cerca con el estadio de ellos, pero así son este tipo de partidos y es bonito tener este tipo de rivalidades," he said.
That backdrop gives tonight's meeting more than just the feel of a routine league match. For Deportivo Marquense, it is a chance to defend home ground, lean on the momentum from the previous result, and make a statement in front of its supporters. Escalante also said the team is aiming for three points not only for the squad and its fans, but also to keep climbing the table. "Vamos a buscar los tres puntos para nosotros y los aficionados, pero también para intentar seguir sumando puntos que nos permitan subir puestos," he said.
With the match set for 20:00 hours, Escalante is expected to be in the starting lineup and will be one of the names to watch as Deportivo Marquense and San Pedro meet for the first time in Liga Nacional play this season.
