Pumas, with a hangover from the Leagues Cup, fall to Atlas 2-1

The Pumas of UNAM prolonged the hangover that caused the elimination of the Leagues Cup at the hands of the Seattle Sounders after losing 2-1 to Atlas in the activity of date 5 of the Apertura 2024 tournament that represented the return to activity of the Mexican soccer teams and where the feline squad left much to be desired.

But the worst was not that, but the team led by Gustavo Lema showed that they are not comfortable with the style they use. and whose result compromises the future of the Argentine strategist, since this defeat not only aggravated the feline crisis, but also caused the loss of the undefeated record that the university team had.

On the other hand, this victory places Atlas in fifth position. of the table with 11 points, while Pumas drops to sixth place with 10 points, but the stumble represents the worsening of the crisis generated by the thrashing inflicted on them by the team from the state of Washington on the west coast of the United States.

Chino Huerta paved the way for the feline catastrophe

Obviously, the Pumas’ defeat was largely due to the glaring failure in the penalty call by the felines’ top player, César “Chino” Huerta, when the feline midfielder charged a foul inside the area on him and when it came time to take it to the penalty spot, he ended up giving it to the Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to deflect the shot.

DThis failure marked the destiny of the Pumas, giving encouragement to the red and black of Atlas who scored the first goal of the match in the 33rd minute with an own goal by goalkeeper Julio González when Rivaldo Lozano shot from the area and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper, who tried to save it, but ended up putting it in his own goal.

Atlas endured stone and mud

The second half began with a slight change in the Pumas team, with the entry of Michell Rodríguez in place of Ruvalcaba,But Atlas maintained control of the action and managed to increase the score in the 62nd minute through Venezuelan Jhon Murillo to aggravate the crisis of the felines who never found the square of the circle and had to settle for the grace goal at minute 90+5 by the Argentine Ignacio Pussetto that made no difference in the scoreboard.

For now, Pumas will face Tigres at home, a crucial opportunity to redeem themselves and regain lost confidence. This match is shaping up to be a test of fire for the team led by Gustavo Lema, whowill have to adjust its strategy to maintain its competitiveness in the 2024 Apertura tournament.

On the other hand, Atlas will face Atlético de Madrid. San Luis on Matchday 6, looking to continue their positive streak and climb even further in the table.

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