By Jorge Hernandez
He America staged an almost miraculous reaction at home by drawing 3-3 against UNAM Pumasafter being down by two goals on the scoreboard, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2026 of the Liga MX.
The duel left the series completely open for the second leg, after a match marked by defensive errors, penalties and moments of high intensity.
America reacts after a difficult start
The game started uphill for the Americawhich only in the 5th minute 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 of the Eagles it arrived quickly. At minute 13, Isaiah Violante scored the 1-1 draw, returning hope to the locals in a duel that promised emotions.
Pumas takes advantage of mistakes and takes advantage
Before the break, UNAM Pumas hit again. At minute 43, another defensive error by America allowed Uriel Antuna made it 1-2 with a precise shot.
Already in the second half, the cats extended the lead at 52′ thanks to Jordan Carrillowho surprised with a shot from outside the area to make it 1-3.
With Keylor Navas As a figure in the goal, the university team seemed to have the protect watch over of the match.
Penalties and reaction of America change the course
He America He did not lower his arms and advanced lines in search of a comeback. The pressure paid off in the 78th minute, when Henry Martin He converted a penalty after a foul by Adalberto Carrasquilla.
Five minutes later, another penalty at the preference of the Eagles changed the course of the meeting. Alejandro Zendejas executed with precision and deceived Keylor Navas to sign the final 3-3.
Open series heading back
With the tie, the tie between America and UNAM Pumas is completely open for the second leg of the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals.
The next match will be played at the home of Cougarswhere both teams will look for a ticket to the semifinals in one of the most attractive sequences of the Liga MX.
The tie leaves mixed feelings: on the one hand, the reaction capacity of the America; on the other, the opportunity that he missed UNAM Pumas after having a two-goal lead.
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