Rondon Double Sinks Pumas as Pachuca Romp 3-0

Pachuca Punish Pumas in Apertura Opener

CF Pachuca delivered a brutal reality check to U.N.A.M. Pumas with a 3-0 demolition at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, their clinical finishing slicing through the hosts’ 61% possession in the Liga MX Apertura first round.

Montiel Strikes First for Pachuca

The visitors landed the first blow in the 21st minute when Élias Montiel, given acres of space 25 yards out, lashed a low drive past Keylor Navas. Pumas’ defensive frailty was exposed again eleven minutes later – Oussama Idrissi’s whipped cross found Salomón Rondón peeling away at the back post, the Venezuelan’s downward header bouncing viciously past Navas.

Pumas’ Possession Without Punch

Esteban Solari’s halftime double substitution screamed desperation – Víctor Arteaga and Aldo Medina replacing the anonymous Stanley García and Santiago Trigos. But for all their territorial dominance (9 corners to Pachuca’s 4), Pumas managed just 2 shots on target all night. Pedro Vite’s 55th-minute yellow card for a frustrated lunge summed up their impotence.

Rondon Rubs Salt in Wounds

The killer third came in the 80th minute – Montiel turning provider with a defense-splitting pass for Rondón to round Navas and slot home. Pachuca’s 39% possession belied their ruthless efficiency: 6 shots on target from just 1.15 xG compared to Pumas’ 0.29 xG from 9 attempts.

What This Means

For Benjamin Mora’s Pachuca, this statement win announces them as genuine title contenders. Rondón’s predatory double suggests the veteran striker could spearhead their charge. Pumas must urgently address their defensive leaks before facing Cruz Azul – no amount of pretty passing masks conceding 3 goals from 7 opposition shots inside the box.

Key Moments

21′ ⚽ CF Pachuca — E. Montiel

32′ ⚽ CF Pachuca — S. Rondon (assist: O. Idrissi)

80′ ⚽ CF Pachuca — S. Rondon (assist: E. Montiel)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.