CLUB AMÉRICA VS PUMAS 3-3 DRAW: Club América and Pumas UNAM play to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Liga MX quarter-finals. Read about the goals from Juninho, Antuna, and Carrillo and the late penalty double from Martín and Zendejas.
The first leg of the Liga MX quarter-finals delivered a night of pure drama at the Estadio Azteca as Club América rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a heart-pounding 3-3 draw against Pumas UNAM.
In a match that embodied the intensity of the Clásico Capitalino, a pair of late penalties from the home side canceled out a dominant start by the visitors, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.
A First Half of Volleys and Counters
Pumas wasted no time asserting their presence in the enemy territory. Just five minutes into the contest, Juninho silenced the home crowd with a clinical finish to put the visitors up 1-0. The lead was short-lived, however, as Isaías Violante leveled the score for Las Águilas in the 13th minute, converting a well-placed cross to reignite the Azteca.
As the first half drew to a close, Pumas struck a psychological blow. In the 44th minute, Uriel Antuna found space in the box to restore the Pumas lead, sending the visitors into the locker room with a 2-1 advantage and the momentum firmly on their side.
Pumas Pull Away, América Responds
The second half began as a nightmare for the reigning giants. In the 52nd minute, Jordán Carrillo extended the Pumas lead to 3-1, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put the visitors in a commanding position. For nearly 25 minutes, it appeared Pumas would head back to the Ciudad Universitaria with a significant aggregate advantage.
However, the final fifteen minutes saw a complete shift in the match’s officiating and energy. Club América’s relentless pressure eventually forced errors in the box:
- 78th Minute: The referee pointed to the spot following a heavy challenge. Henry Martín stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to make it 3-2.
- 85th Minute: With the crowd roaring, América earned a second penalty just minutes later. Alejandro Zendejas took the responsibility this time, burying the ball into the net to complete the stunning comeback at 3-3.
The Road to the Semi-Finals
Despite the late-game heroics from Las Águilas, Pumas will leave the Azteca feeling they have a slight edge with three crucial away goals in their pocket.
For Club América, the resilience shown in the final quarter of the match preserves their hopes for a title defense, though their defensive vulnerabilities will be a major point of concern for the coaching staff heading into the return leg.
The two sides will meet again later this week to determine who will advance to the Liga MX semi-finals.
