Pumas get a third win of the 2019 Apertura over lowly Veracruz

The game was crucial for both Pumas and Veracruz. In one hand UNAM needed to get back to victory after losing two games where they had no shown no form, on the other Los Tiburones, hadn’t won a game in the past 31 matches. Enrique Meza, the head coach of Veracruz, has to start adding points which will help them climb up the relegation table. 

The match began intensely for the home team who created multiple chances in the first ten minutes. Every single opportunity for the felines, however, was shut down by the Veracruz star goalie Sebastian Jurado. The few occasions that Los Tiburones created chances were not clear with balls flying everywhere but the goal.

Alfredo Saldivar had little action having his defense well set. The first half finished with the Mexico City squad attacking constantly and close to opening the score sheet but were unable to do so, and they went to the lockers with the temporary 0-0 score.

The second half started very differently. Both teams appeared lost in the midfield and hardly produced any opportunities. It looked as if UNAM’s possibilities to score were getting slimmer and could potentially allow Los del Puerto to grow and build confidence. However, Pumas reacted at the 62nd minute with an outstanding free-kick by Victor Malcorra who placed in in the top right corner of the goal.

It wasn’t long before they sealed the victory with the second goal of the evening after a cross from Pablo Barrera and a left-footed shot by Jeison Angulo. 

The win gives Pumas fans as well as the players and coach to regain confidence and continue with their positive streak in the tournament. For Veracruz, it seems that the nightmare they went through last season is not over yet and will have to work harder to not go down to second division.

Both teams will play next Friday, Veracruz will receive Atlético de San Luis, and Pumas will visit Morelia.