Queretaro Dominate Atlante 2-0 in Apertura Battle

Club Queretaro 2-0 Atlante FC: Liga MX Apertura – Round 11

Club Queretaro seized control of their Liga MX Apertura destiny with a ruthless 2-0 victory over Atlante FC, Santiago Homenchenko’s first-half penalty and Denilson Muñoz’s clinical strike enough to see off their visitors in a match that crackled with tension despite the scoreline.

Club Queretaro’s Early Control

The home side weathered Atlante’s initial burst of possession, goalkeeper Gilberto Allison pulling off three sensational saves inside the opening 15 minutes to keep the scores level. But when Eugenio Pizzuto’s reckless challenge earned Atlante their first yellow card on 20 minutes, the momentum shifted. Five minutes later, Homenchenko stepped up to convert a penalty won through relentless pressing, sending Óscar Jiménez the wrong way with a striker’s finish.

Atlante’s frustration grew as Walter Clar joined Pizzuto in the book on 35 minutes. Queretaro might have had only 45% possession, but their compact 4-2-3-1 blocked passing lanes superbly – Atlante’s 55% dominance producing just 0.79 xG by halftime.

Atlante FC’s Missed Opportunities

Miguel Herrera’s men emerged with greater urgency after the break, Clar forcing another Allison save before being hooked for Edgar Jiménez on 54 minutes. But Queretaro delivered the sucker punch moments later – Iker Benito Sánchez spotting Muñoz’s diagonal run before the striker smashed home off the inside of the post.

Herrera himself was booked for dissent as Atlante’s discipline unraveled, Juan Carrera’s 71st-minute yellow summing up their night. Their 17 shots told only half the story — just 4 on target, Allison unbeatable when called upon.

What This Means For Both Sides

Queretaro’s victory sees them climb into the Apertura’s top eight, their fifth clean sheet of the campaign built on Allison’s heroics and a defense that blocked 4 shots. For Atlante, this third straight away defeat raises serious questions — their 55% possession yielded just 3 shots on target, Herrera’s halftime changes failing to spark a comeback.

As the Apertura enters its decisive phase, Queretaro host Cruz Azul with renewed belief, while Atlante must regroup fast before Tigres visit — their title hopes now hanging by a thread.

Key Moments

25′ ⚽ Club Queretaro — Santiago Homenchenko

50′ ⚽ Club Queretaro — Denilson Muñoz (assist: Iker Benito Sánchez)