The Pumas let the Aguilas live in the Azteca and everything will be defined in the return
The feline group was able to seal the quarter series of the Liga MX, but allowed America to rise from a 1-3 and sign a spectacular 3-3
America took part in an almost miraculous reaction at home by drawing 3-3 against Pumas UNAM, after being down by two goals on the scoreboard, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2026 Liga MX Closura.
The duel left the series completely open for the second match, after a match marked by defensive errors, penalties and moments of high intensity.
America reacts after a complicated start
The match started uphill for America, which barely at minute 5 was already losing 0-1 after an error at the start that was taken advantage of by the Brazilian Juninho with a shot from outside the area.
The response from the Aguilas came quickly. At minute 13, Isaías Violante scored the 1-1 tie, returning hope to the locals in a duel that promised emotions.
Pumas take advantage of mistakes and take advantage
Before the break, Pumas UNAM hit again. At minute 43, another defensive error by América allowed Uriel Antuna to put 1-2 with a precise shot.
Already in the second half, the felines extended the advantage to 52' thanks to Jordan Carrillo, who surprised with a shot from outside the area for 1-3.
With Keylor Navas as a figure in goal, the university team seemed to have control of the game.
Penalties and America's reaction change the course
America did not lower their arms and advanced lines in search of the comeback. The pressure paid fruits in the 78th minute, when Henry Martín converted a penalty after a foul by Adalberto Carrasquilla.
Five minutes later, another penalty in favor of the Águilas changed the course of the match. Alejandro Zendejas executed with precision and deceived Keylor Navas to sign the 3-3 definitive.
Open series heading to the return
With the tie, the eliminatory between América and Pumas UNAM is completely open for the return match of the quarterfinals of Clausura 2026.
The next match will be held at Pumas's home, where both teams will look for the ticket to the semifinals in one of the most attractive series in the Liga MX.
The tie leaves mixed feelings: on the one hand, America's capacity to react; on the other, the opportunity that Pumas UNAM let escape after having a two goal advantage.