Pumas Liguilla dreams in danger as they split points with Puebla
Pumas was coming into the match against Puebla obligated to win to put one foot in the Liga MX Liguilla. On the other hand, Los Camoteros needed three points to redeem themselves after a terrible loss in Veracruz.
The match surprisingly began with Puebla creating a lot of opportunities, but Alfredo Saldivar was influential in the back, making sure the Liguilla dreams for the felines were still alive. The away team didn’t seem to be able to get their thoughts and plays together; they kept losing the ball in the midfield and created no clear opportunities. The first 45 minutes were dull with not much excitement, but for Pumas, the score was on their side. All they needed to do was score one goal in the second half to take the much-needed victory.
Unfortunately for UNAM, La Franja started the second half just as strong as the first half creating clear opportunities to beat Alfredo Saldivar’s net. Through perseverance, Puebla found the initial goal of the night in the 60th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from Jorge Zarate. This goal put the team from Mexico City in a very tough spot and with very slim chances of going to the Liguilla if the score remained the same.
Michel knew that it was now or never, so he made some aggressive change by putting in Juan Iturbe, Felipe Mora, and Bryan Mendoza almost all at the same time.
The modifications made Pumas a more offensive team creating many opportunities that came close to being a goal. It wasn’t until the 85th minute that Iturbe found the ball coming his way and shot it with his left foot leaving Nicolas Vikonis unable to block the ball and save the goal.
The game ended in a very disappointing result for both Pumas and Puebla. UNAM is in a very tough spot, not being able to earn a seat into the Liguilla through their work, instead, they have to depend on other results. Pumas will receive Juarez in the next match day while Puebla visits Monarcas.
