At Pumas, they know there’s no room for complacency anymore. After a string of results that haven’t fully satisfied the team, Rodrigo López made it clear that the Pumas will approach their next match against Necaxa with a single goal in mind: to give it their all and go for the win.
The Pumas defender spoke at a press conference and emphasized that, for a team like Pumas, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a friendly, a Liga MX match, or a final. The standard must be the same.
“Every game—whether it’s a preseason friendly, a Matchday 1 fixture, or the final—must be played at 100 percent,” stated López, who also highlighted the commitment involved in defending the club’s colors in front of fans who always expect the best.
The former college player acknowledged that recent results haven’t met expectations, but urged everyone not to lose sight of the work the team has put in throughout the tournament. Pumas began the season showing character and securing important results on the road against Toluca and Juárez. For that reason, López believes that a losing streak cannot erase everything they’ve built.
“We believe in ourselves, in who we are, and the recent results do not define who we are as a team,” he said.
Scoring Goals: A Work in Progress
One of Pumas’ biggest concerns right now is their lack of finishing. The university team has struggled to find the back of the net, though López has full confidence in his teammates. The defender assured that the team is working to create more scoring opportunities and finally find that goal that will help them regain their confidence.
“We’re eager to score,” he explained, convinced that it will come sooner or later thanks to the quality of the forwards and the contributions of the rest of the squad.
He also acknowledged that the results from the Leagues Cup may paint a picture that, in his view, doesn’t fully reflect the work the team has put in. For López, the key lies in getting back to basics: hard work, consistency, and determination.
A New Side of Rodrigo López
On an individual level, the defender is also going through an adjustment period under Esteban Solari. The player explained that the new system has allowed him to develop a much more offensive role. He now aims to get into attacking areas more often, make runs, play the ball out cleanly, and contribute with crosses to create danger. López acknowledged that he has enjoyed this new role, as it presents a different challenge and allows him to become a more well-rounded player.
“I’m really enjoying getting forward, delivering crosses, and being able to clear the ball,” he said.
The 2026 Clausura Final: A Source of Motivation
Pumas knows what it means to go far. Having reached the 2026 Clausura final could create pressure, but López prefers to see it another way. For the defender, that experience proved that the team has what it takes to compete for major titles. Now it’s time to learn from the mistakes that prevented them from lifting the trophy. The immediate task is the match against Necaxa, but the goal goes far beyond a single game: to regain confidence, get back to winning ways, and prove that the Pumas’ fighting spirit remains intact.
