In a thrilling encounter held at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Pumas UNAM triumphed over Club América 1-0 during the twelfth round of the Clausura. The match’s sole goal came from Robert Morales, who converted a penalty in the 49th minute of the second half, sealing a vital victory for the home side.
In the first half, Pumas UNAM almost took the lead when Juninho Vieira’s strike hit the post at the 31-minute mark, leaving the team yearning for an early celebration.
Robert Morales was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing not only with the decisive goal but also with four attempts on the opposing goal. Defender Rodrigo López also made a significant impact, clearing six threats from his own area to maintain the lead.
Coach Efraín Juárez set up his team in a 3-5-2 formation, with Keylor Navas in goal, supported by defenders Rodrigo López, Pablo Bennevendo, and Rubén Duarte. The midfield comprised Pedro Vite, Alan Medina, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Robert Morales, and Álvaro Angulo, while Juninho Vieira paired with Guillermo Martínez in the attack.
On the other side, André Jardine’s Club América lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Rodolfo Cota in goal, with Aarón Mejía, Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Cristian Borja in defense. Their midfield consisted of Érick Sánchez, Rodrigo Dourado, Alejandro Zendejas, Raphael Veiga, and Brian Rodríguez, with Patricio Salas leading the attack.
The match was officiated by César Ramos Palazuelos.
Looking ahead to the next fixtures, Pumas UNAM will face Chivas away from home, while Club América will take on Santos Laguna on their turf.
This result elevates Pumas to 23 points in the standings, securing the fourth spot, while Club América remains in eighth place with 17 points.
Substitutions for Pumas UNAM
67’ 2T – Juninho Vieira was replaced by Uriel Antuna
75’ 2T – Adalberto Carrasquilla came off for Jordan Carrillo, Érick Sánchez for Jonathan dos Santos, and Brian Rodríguez for José Zúñiga
Yellow cards for Pumas UNAM:
29’ 1T Pedro Vite (Unsporting behavior), 9’ 2T Guillermo Martínez (Unsporting behavior), and 21’ 2T Álvaro Angulo (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Club América
65’ 2T – Raphael Veiga was substituted for Lima
89’ 2T – Alejandro Zendejas came off for Thiago Espinosa
90’ 2T – Patricio Salas was replaced by Alexis Gutiérrez
Yellow cards for Club América:
37’ 1T Cristian Borja (Unsporting behavior) and 29’ 2T Aarón Mejía (Unsporting behavior)