U.N.A.M. - Pumas
A last-gasp equaliser from Luciano Herrera rescued U.N.A.M. Pumas in a pulsating 1-1 draw against Necaxa in Liga MX’s Apertura Round 5. The Mexican footballing giants looked destined for defeat until their supersub struck in the 88th minute, cancelling out Julián Carranza’s 76th-minute opener for the visitors.
Pumas’ Frustration Builds in Tight First Half
The Estadio Olímpico Universitario was a cauldron of noise as Pumas sought to maintain their unbeaten home record. Adalberto Carrasquilla tested Necaxa keeper Luis Jiménez early, rifling just wide from 20 yards in the 14th minute. The hosts dominated possession (48%) and chances (21 shots to Necaxa’s 15) but struggled to create clear openings against Martín Varini’s well-drilled back three. Pumas’ frustration boiled over when Pedro Vite picked up a yellow card in the 37th minute for a rash challenge on Ricardo Monreal.
Necaxa Break Deadlock Through Carranza
Against the run of play, Necaxa struck first through Julián Carranza in the 76th minute. The Argentine striker latched onto Érick Rodríguez’s precision pass, slotting calmly past Keylor Navas to send the travelling fans into raptures. Varini’s tactical substitutions proved crucial, with Matías Espíndola and Alejandro Pedraza both introducing fresh legs to disrupt Pumas’ rhythm.
Herrera’s Heroics Salvage Dramatic Draw
Just as Necaxa appeared to be closing out a smash-and-grab victory, Luciano Herrera emerged as Pumas’ saviour. Combining beautifully with substitute Gustavo Martínez, Herrera curled a sublime finish into the top corner in the 88th minute to spark bedlam in the stands. The late drama continued as tensions flared in stoppage time, with both sides picking up yellow cards – Íñigo Luna and Érick Rodríguez the recipients of the referee’s ire.
What This Means for Both Sides
This dramatic draw leaves Pumas’ Apertura aspirations still alive but needing a spark. Their attacking prowess remains unquestionable (21 shots, 13 inside the box) but clinical finishing eluded them until Herrera’s late magic. For Necaxa, it’s a bittersweet result – impressing resilient away from home but frustrated to have victory snatched away so late. Both sides now look ahead to Matchday 6, knowing every point is crucial in the tightly-contested Liga MX Apertura.
Key Moments
76′ ⚽ Necaxa — J. Carranza (assist: E. Rodriguez)
88′ ⚽ U.N.A.M. – Pumas — L. Herrera (assist: G. Martinez)
