By Wilson Florez
The UNAM Pumas fell 1-0 in the first leg of the Clausura 2026 semifinals. Pachuca managed to beat the Auriazul team at the Hidalgo Stadium. During the duel there was a clash between Efraín Juárez and Estan Solari. Juárez has been a coach who has had multiple behavioral problems in his recent processes.
Close to the match’s ideal, in the 71st minute, Esteban Solari crossed into Efraín Juárez’s technical area to complain to the fourth referee about an infraction. Juárez noticed this and, from behind, pushed the Pachuca coach. This gesture unleashed a conflict between both benches.
Things got heated on the benches during the game
Solari claimed with intensity and, in the middle of the moment of tension, Efraín Juárez ended up throwing the rival strategist 👀⚽
📹 Olga Hirata pic.twitter.com/ILpQpn1JZI
— MedioTiempo (@mediotiempo) May maybe well 15, 2026
These are recurring attitudes of the Mexican strategist. Efraín Juárez has had many behavioral problems in his new role as a coach. Since his first trial with Atlético Nacional of Colombia, to date, Juárez has had several attitudes that stain his young career.
The indisciplines of Efraín Juárez
The first of them was in November 2024 with Atlético Nacional. The Aztec coach led the “Verdolagas” to victory over Independiente de Medellín. Juárez would have celebrated toward the local stands with “provocative” gestures. This caused him to be sanctioned and fined in Colombian territory.
😳 The national police went to the press conference to take away Efraín Juárez, coach of Atlético Nacional.
🚨 The coach angrily celebrated the ideal and that warmed up the DIM fans. pic.twitter.com/XMuTUuvR50
— Toque Sports activities (@ToqueSports) November 18, 2024
Efraín Juárez was also expelled in a match in the Colombian tournament due to angry claims and was involved in controversies within the club due to friction in dealings with its players.
⚠️❌ Efraín Juárez, manager of Nacional, was EXPELLED for celebrating Atlético Nacional’s goal and angering the Santa Fe bench.
😳 Pay attention to the GESTURES he made when he was heading to the dressing room.
UNUSUAL. pic.twitter.com/QMwQCARcCG
— Toque Sports activities (@ToqueSports) November 21, 2024
His arrival at the UNAM Pumas did not calm his attitudes. Efraín Juárez, in the entire year 2025, was one of the coaches with the most expulsions in the Liga MX. In just 28 games coached, the Mexican strategist was sent to the locker room on 3 occasions.
In a duel against Rayados de Monterrey, Juárez was expelled for an altercation with a member of the Regio team’s coaching staff; In a match against Cruz Azul, the Mexican strategist received the same disciplinary sanction for excessive claims; in a duel against America, Juárez was sent off for insulting referee César Ramos.
“You are a disaster” 🤬🟥
Efraín Juárez was expelled after having words with Daniel Quintero Huitrón. The Pumas coach didn’t want to leave, but people from Liga MX sent him to the locker room 💥💣🔻 pic.twitter.com/vdnSnoAVCo
— AS México (@ASMexico) April 6, 2025
Efraín Juárez’s attitude towards César Ramos cost the Mexican coach a suspension for two games. The Disciplinary Commission made this decision due to his actions in an “offensive, insulting and humiliating” manner.
Cougars 🐾
Confirmed by sources:
Efraín Juárez shouted at the refereeing body, led by César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos: “Everyone fuck his mother”, which is why he was expelled.
Efra can be suspended from 2 to 3 games for “profanely insulting the match officials.” pic.twitter.com/SS6IuJ0JpY
— León Lecanda 🦁 (@Leonlec) September 28, 2025
For Clausura 2026, another case of inappropriate behavior was also generated, in addition to the recent clash with Esteban Solari. Efraín Juárez was fined for making obscene gestures towards the Cruz Azul benchin a duel in which the Pumas tied the match in the final minutes. The Mexican strategist had to pay a figure close to $20,300 dollars.
“There are eggs here, motherfuckers…” 🥚
Pumas, led by Efraín Juárez, achieved an agonizing draw against Cruz Azul, this is how the coach celebrated and harangued his people at the exit of the stadium, what do you think? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/v8tVL5Mh5l
— Múnera Eastman Radio (@RadioMunera) March 16, 2026
Keep reading:
– Pumas came out with minimal damage on their visit to Pachuca: 1-0
– Efraín Juárez and Eduardo Solari were about to make a big mess in Pachuca
– Efraín Juárez sent a message to his detractors
– The return of Mexican teams to the Copa Libertadores seems distant
