Chivas Triumph with Tight Victory Over Pumas in Dominant Performance

The red-and-white squad commanded the match for most of the game, although they struggled to translate this dominance on the scoreboard.

Chivas clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Pumas after 90 minutes of demonstrating superiority over a lackluster auriazul team. Yet, they also grappled with the absence of a potent offensive leader.

José Rangel (7.5)
The goalkeeper stepped up when needed against Pumas’ weak attack, maintaining a clean sheet.

Alan Mozo (7)
Typically a right back, Mozo played in midfield, providing depth on the right and freeing up space for Roberto Alvarado and Luis Romo to operate in front of the goal.

José Castillo (7)
The center-back effectively covered the spaces left by Mozo’s offensive movements, thwarting Piero Quispe and Robert Ergas’ attempts to attack and transition.

Gilberto Sepúlveda (7)
Defending soundly, Sepúlveda limited Ignacio Pussetto’s influence and disrupted many link-ups between the opposition and their key Uruguayan striker.

Miguel Tapias (7.5)
As the left-sided center-back, Tapias quelled any threat from Adalberto Carrasquilla and nullified Pablo Monroy’s ineffective midfield forays.

Mateo Chávez (6.5)
The left back also played in midfield, but struggled in duels with Pablo Bennevendo and had limited successful passes.

Rubén González (7.5)
The ‘Bear’ won the midfield battle against Trigos and Caicedo, making crucial interceptions in central areas and contributing offensively alongside Fernando Beltrán.

Fernando Beltrán (6.5)
Beltrán’s performance was marred by numerous misplaced passes and turnovers, leading to a less impactful display against Pumas.

Luis Romo (7)
This offensive midfielder shifted positions with Roberto Alvarado, showing patches of quality but struggled to connect play with forward Javier Hernández.

Roberto Alvarado (7)
‘El Piojo’ was Chivas’ most industrious and offensive player, but lacked an attacking partner to finish the chances he created.

Javier Hernández (6)
Functioning as the attacking spearhead, Hernández appeared sluggish, showed little desire to press high, and had difficulty positioning himself for successful attacking plays.

Substitutes:
Hugo Camberos (7) — replacing Chávez at the 57th minute, improved the left flank’s offensive output through his individual skills in dribbling and breaking through defenses. Yael Padilla (6) — substituted for Beltrán in the 71st minute, failed to resolve Chivas’ central issues, struggling to engage with the ball. Alan Pulido (6.5) — came on for Hernández at the 71st minute, injected more energy into Chivas’ attack, opening spaces for teammates even though goal opportunities were scarce. Luis Gabriel Rey (7.5) — substituted for González in the 82nd minute, had a dream night scoring the winning goal in extra time (90’+2’) after Pulido’s blocked attempt following a cross from Luis Romo. Saúl Zamora (6.5) — coming in for Castillo in the 82nd minute, refreshed the defense smoothly, unhindered by Pumas’ lacking offensive presence in Chivas’ area.