Pumas FC ends drought and climbs the table after win over León

Pumas FC is in the spotlight after a crucial 3‑1 win over León, a pending match of Matchday 7 of Apertura 2026. The result not only ended a six‑game winless run but also propelled the squad to seventh place in the standings, inside the Liguilla zone.

Table turnaround and end of the slump

The Pumas celebrated their first home victory in Apertura 2026, a feat that snapped a six‑match winless streak. Since the 5‑1 thrashing of FC Juárez on July 31, Matchday 3, the side had not earned three points. With the recent win, the university team reached 11 points in the table, securing a spot among the top seven and positioning itself in the Liguilla qualification zone.

The storyline of the match against León

The clash, played at the Olímpico Universitario in front of 12,077 fans, presented challenges for the Pumas, especially in the first half. Guatemalan goalkeeper Keylor Navas was crucial, making at least two important saves, including a decisive intervention against Iván Moreno. Despite the difficulties, the Pumas opened the scoring at the 45th minute of the first half when Rodrigo López crossed after a corner and Juninho headed it to make it 1‑0.

León responded in the second half, equalising at the 53rd minute with a shot from Alfonso Alvarado into the corner. However, the Pumas regained the lead at the 70th minute, with Robert Morales heading home after a precise cross from Luciano Herrera. The visiting side continued to push for an equaliser, with Díber Cambindo hitting the post shortly before the Pumas' second goal.

Absences and injuries on the field

The Pumas entered the match with significant absences. César Huerta, whose return was anticipated after his stint with Anderlecht, was ruled out hours before kickoff due to lower‑back discomfort. Additionally, Guillermo Martínez, who had been signed by Tigres at the last minute, was also unavailable. During the game, the Pumas suffered another setback: Cristian Calderón, one of the tournament signings, left the field at the 23rd minute with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Ángel Azuaje.

The goals that sealed the victory

After León's equaliser and the regained lead with Robert Morales' goal, the Pumas secured the result in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, Alan Medina received the ball after a corner and set up Pedro Vite, who, from outside the box, struck a left‑foot shot that hit the post, sealing a 3‑1 win. This goal confirmed the Pumas' triumph and ended the team's negative run.

With information from Sports Illustrated, TUDN.