In a highly anticipated clash on matchday 11 of the Clausura, Pumas UNAM managed to secure a point after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Cruz Azul.
The home side took the lead with goals from Juninho Vieira (60’, penalty) and an own goal by Willer Ditta (76’). However, Cruz Azul equalized in the first half with strikes from Nicolás Ibáñez (34’) and Carlos Rodríguez (41’).
Despite a series of attempts, including a fierce shot from Amaury García that struck the woodwork in the 72nd minute, Cruz Azul could not convert their possession and efforts, finishing the match with fewer goals than they would have liked.
Nicolás Ibáñez stood out as the key player, scoring one goal and registering five shots on target, helping his team push forward. Meanwhile, Keylor Navas shone in goal for Pumas UNAM, making five crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Pumas’ coach Efraín Juárez opted for a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Keylor Navas in goal; with a defensive lineup of Rodrigo López, Nathanael Ananias, Ángel Azuaje, and Álvaro Angulo; a midfield of Alan Medina, Pedro Vite, Adalberto Carrasquilla, and Jordan Carrillo; and Juninho Vieira and Robert Morales leading the attack.
Cruz Azul’s Nicolás Larcamón employed a 5-4-1 setup, starting with Andrés Gudiño in goal, supported by a defense comprising Omar Campos, Erik Lira, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Rodolfo Rotondi. The midfield included José Paradela, Agustín Palavecino, Jeremy Márquez, and Carlos Rodríguez, while Nicolás Ibáñez spearheaded the forward line.
The match was officiated by Daniel Quintero Huitrón in front of a buzzing crowd at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Looking ahead, Pumas will prepare to host Club América, while Cruz Azul is set to visit Mazatlán. The Universitarios are bracing for the highly charged Capitaline classic against their historic rivals.
With this draw, Pumas UNAM now sits at 20 points, in fifth place, whereas Cruz Azul leads the table with 26 points.
Substitutions for Pumas UNAM:
53’ 2T – Jordan Carrillo for Guillermo Martínez, Alan Medina for Uriel Antuna, and Álvaro Angulo for Rubén Duarte.
71’ 2T – Juninho Vieira for Pablo Bennevendo.
81’ 2T – Adalberto Carrasquilla for César Garza.
Yellow Cards for Pumas UNAM:
10’ 1T Adalberto Carrasquilla (Unsporting behaviour), 13’ 1T Nathanael Ananias (Unsporting behaviour), 28’ 2T Guillermo Martínez (Unsporting behaviour), 38’ 2T Keylor Navas (Delay of game), 43’ 2T Pablo Bennevendo (Delay of game).
Red Card for Pumas UNAM:
22’ 2T Nathanael Ananias (Second yellow).
Substitutions for Cruz Azul:
30’ 1T – Rodolfo Rotondi for Jorge Rodarte.
70’ 2T – Nicolás Ibáñez for Gabriel Fernández and Jeremy Márquez for Amaury García.
80’ 2T – Erik Lira for Osinachi Ebere and José Paradela for Andrés Montaño.
Yellow Cards for Cruz Azul:
15’ 2T Willer Ditta (Unsporting behaviour).