Atlas and Pumas split the points in their Matchday 9 clash of the 2026 Liga MX Apertura, played at Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, in a game that saw both goals scored in the first half.
The draw left the Pumas with 12 points, temporarily in tenth place in the overall standings and just one point away from the playoff zone.
For its part, Atlas reached 14 points and provisionally climbed to sixth place, although five matches still remained to be played in this round.
Pumas Strikes First with a Great Finish
Pumas opened the scoring in the 22nd minute thanks to a spectacular finish by Ángel Azuaje.
The play began with a short corner kick taken by Uriel Antuna, who then received the ball sent into the box by Pedro Vite. Azuaje appeared at just the right moment to connect with a backheel and catch Camilo Vargas off guard.
The university team seemed to be in control of the match, but Atlas found the equalizer before halftime.
Atlas ties the game before halftime
Just when it seemed Pumas would head into the locker room with the lead, the Rojinegros managed to equalize in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
A loose ball remained after a clearance inside the box, and Luís Esteves was there to capitalize on the rebound. The midfielder fired a well-placed shot to Keylor Navas’s right, leaving the Costa Rican goalkeeper with no chance to make the save.
With the score tied at 1-1, both teams headed into halftime with everything still to be decided.
César Huerta Returns to Pumas
One of the highlights of the match was the return of César “Chino” Huerta in Pumas colors.
The forward entered the game in the 69th minute, replacing Juninho Vieira, making his return to the blue-and-gold squad.
However, the Pumas had to play the final minutes with one fewer player. Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla was sent off in the 87th minute, leaving Pumas a man down.
Atlas tried to capitalize on the situation, but the score remained unchanged, and both teams ended up splitting the points.
When do the Pumas play next?
Pumas will have to move on quickly, as their next match will be at home.
The UNAM squad will host Atlético de San Luis on Sunday, September 27, at 12:00 p.m. sharp, at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
With 12 points to their credit, the UNAM team will look to take advantage of their next home game to close in on the playoff spots and stay alive in the race for the 2026 Apertura playoffs.
