In a decisive encounter on Matchday 8 of Liga MX, Pumas UNAM showcased their dominance with a resounding 4-1 victory against Mazatlán. The home side found the net first through Fábio Gomes in the 52nd minute. However, it was the visitors who took control early, with Guillermo Martínez converting a penalty in the 10th minute and adding another just after halftime at the 50th minute. Alan Medina then increased the lead for Pumas with a goal in the 49th minute of the second half, followed by José Macías who scored from the penalty spot in the 56th minute.
Notably, Nicolás Benedetti missed a crucial penalty for Mazatlán at the 56th minute, which could have led to an equalizer.
Guillermo Martínez was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, netting two goals and attempting three shots on target. Jorge Ruvalcaba also impressed, taking three shots at the opposing goal as well.
On the strategic front, Mazatlán’s coach, Robert Dante Siboldi, set his team in a 4-3-3 formation with Ricardo Gutiérrez as goalkeeper, supported by Lucas Merolla, Facundo Almada, Bryan Colula, and Mauro Zaleta in defense. The midfield included Sebastián Fierro, Jordan Sierra, and Nicolás Benedetti, while Dudu Teodora, Omar Moreno, and Fábio Gomes led the attack.
In contrast, Pumas UNAM, managed by Efraín Juárez, lined up in a 4-5-1 formation featuring Keylor Navas in goal, with Pablo Bennevendo, Nathan Silva, Ángel Azuaje, and Rubén Duarte as defenders. The midfield setup was made up of Santiago Trigos, José Luis Caicedo, Rodrigo López, Aaron Ramsey, and Jorge Ruvalcaba, with Guillermo Martínez as the lone striker.
Adonai Escobedo González officiated the match held at Estadio El Kraken.
Looking ahead, Mazatlán will host Atlas in the next round, while Pumas will face Tigres at home.
This win places Mazatlán with just 6 points, currently sitting in 13th place, while Pumas UNAM climbs to 8th place with 12 points.
Substitutes for Mazatlán:
45’ – Dudu Teodora replaced by Édgar Bárcenas
66’ – Sebastián Fierro substituted for Anderson Duarte, Omar Moreno replaced by Ivan Gonzalez
75’ – Jordan Sierra taken off for José Esquivel
Yellow Cards for Mazatlán:
8’ – Facundo Almada (Unsporting behavior)
30’ – José Esquivel (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutes for Pumas UNAM:
59’ – Aaron Ramsey off for Adalberto Carrasquilla, Rodrigo López replaced by Álvaro Angulo
74’ – Jorge Ruvalcaba substituted for Alan Medina
82’ – Guillermo Martínez replaced by José Macías, Mauro Zaleta taken off for Mauro Laínez
Yellow Cards for Pumas UNAM:
14’ – Guillermo Martínez (Unsporting behavior)
18’ – Pablo Bennevendo (Unsporting behavior)
29’ – Santiago Trigos (Unsporting behavior)
9’ – Nathan Silva (Unsporting behavior)
13’ – José Luis Caicedo (Holding an opponent to prevent advancing)