Pumas eliminates América in a vibrant Clásico; Henry Martín misses decisive penalty in the final stretch
The university resisted the azulcrema reaction and sealed their pass after a dramatic 3-3 in CU; now they will face Pachuca
The UNAM Pumas starred in a night full of emotions by drawing 3-3 against América and getting their ticket at the semi-finals of the Clausura 2026 of the Liga MX, thanks to their best position in the general table after a spectacular 6-6 overall.
The great villain for the Aguilas was the forward and World Cup winner Henry Martín, who missed a penalty in the 87th minute that could change the course of the eliminatory played in the University Olympic Stadium.
Pumas came overwhelming and put against the ropes America
The team led by Efraín Juárez started with total intensity and in just 23 minutes they had America against the canvas with a 3-0 advantage that made the university fans explode.
The Spanish Rubén Duarte opened the scoring at minute 3 with a left foot after a corner kick. Later, the Brazilian Nathan Silva extended l to advantage with a header at 13, while Jordan Carrillo signed the third at 23 after an assist from Brazilian Juninho.
With that devastating start, the Pumas made University City shake and seemed to have absolute control of the series.
América reacted and Alejandro Zendejas led the comeback
When the scenario looked complicated for the Águilas, André Jardine's team found immediate answer. Patricio Salas scored with a header at minute 30 and before break Alejandro Zendejas converted a penalty to closer América 3-2.
In the second half, the cream blue team dominated possession and found the tie thanks again to Zendejas, who headed a center from Uruguayan Brian Rodríguez at minute 61.
With 3-3 on the scoreboard and 6-6 overall, the classification favored the university players due to their better placement in the regular phase of the tournament.
Henry Martín misses penalty and sentence elimination azulcrema
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute. América had at the feet of Henry Martín the opportunity to achieve the qualifying goal, but the forward hit his shot from the penalty spot on the post.
The failure silenced the azulcremas followers and ended marking the outcome of one of the most exciting series of the Clausura 2026 Liguilla.
Pumas will face Pachuca in semifinals
After leaving America out, the Pumas UNAM will now measure against Pachuca in the semifinals of the tournament.
The Tuzos arrived to the next round after beating 2-0 to Toluca and closing the eliminatory with a strong 3-0 overall, consolidating themselves as one of the solidest teams in the final phase.