Pumas UNAM avoided defeat this Sunday thanks to a goal from Brazilian Juninho, who secured a 1-1 draw against Leon at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario, in the continuation of the third matchday of the Clausura of Mexican soccer.

Colombian Diber Cambindo had given the Emeralds the lead in the first half, but a header from Juninho in the second half allowed the university side to salvage a point at home.

Leon strikes first at Ciudad Universitaria

Leon came out with an attacking approach from the start and very soon tested goalkeeper Keylor Navas. In the 6th minute, Cambindo came close to opening the scoring with a left-footed shot that was well saved by the Costa Rican, former Real Madrid star.

The visitors' persistence paid off in the 9th minute. After a corner kick, Diber Cambindo won the position and headed the ball into the back of the net for 0-1.

Pumas reacts and begins to create danger

After conceding, Pumas UNAM adjusted their lines, took control of the ball, and began to penetrate the opposing penalty area more frequently. In the 38th minute, the equalizer almost came when Panamanian Adalberto Carrasquilla shot wide after an assist from Ecuadorian Pedro Vite.

Keylor Navas keeps the university team in the game

In the second half, Leon started stronger again, and in the 65th minute, Pumas needed Keylor Navas once more, who closed down Juan Pablo Dominguez's angle and thwarted a clear scoring opportunity for the visitors.

Juninho appears and saves the draw

As the minutes passed, Pumas UNAM grew into the game. Coach Efrain Juarez made a change, bringing in Alan Medina in the 67th minute, who proved decisive. Eight minutes later, Medina delivered a precise cross that Juninho headed home in the 75th minute to make it 1-1, sparking celebrations in the stands at Ciudad Universitaria. An intense finish and a point apiece. The home side pressed hard in the final minutes in search of the win.But Leon defended with discipline and managed to hold onto the draw, taking a valuable point away from home.

Pumas climb in the Clausura standings

With this result, Pumas UNAM remain undefeated in the tournament and reached five points after one win and two draws, placing them sixth in the standings, four points behind the leader, Guadalajara, who maintain a perfect record.

Leon moved into ninth place in the standings with four points after three matchdays.

Clausura Matchday 3 standings

Matchday three began on Friday with Monterrey, managed by Spaniard Sergio Canales, thrashing Mazatlan 5-1, with goals from Jesus Corona, Argentine Jorge Rodriguez, Frenchman Anthony Martial, German Berterame, and Iker Fimbres; Ecuadorian Jordan Sierra scored for the home side.

On Saturday, Guadalajara defeated Queretaro 2-1 with goals from Armando Gonzalez and Roberto Alvarado, securing their third consecutive victory. With nine points, they lead the standings, two ahead of defending champion Toluca, who drew 0-0 against Tigres UANL.

In other matches, Cruz Azul defeated Puebla 1-0 with a goal from Argentine Jose Paradela, Atlas edged out Necaxa 1-0, while Tijuana and San Luis drew 1-1.

Matchday 3 of the Clausura tournament concludes this Sunday with the matches Santos Laguna vs. Juarez FC and Pachuca vs. America, key games for the Liga MX standings.