Garcia Golazo Sinks Atlas as Queretaro Roar to 3-1 Win

A chaotic, red-card-strewn night at Estadio Jalisco saw Club Queretaro emerge 3-1 victors over Atlas in a pulsating Liga MX Apertura clash – Santi Homenchenko’s brace and Carlos Garcia’s late stunner turning the screw after Manuel Capasso’s second-half dismissal.

Atlas Stumble as Queretaro Strike First

The hosts’ 58% possession meant nothing when Enzo Gimenez tumbled theatrically under Capasso’s challenge in the 39th minute. Referee Jorge Isaac Rojas pointed instantly to the spot, and Homenchenko sent Camilo Vargas the wrong way – the Ukrainian’s third goal of the season sending the travelling Gallos Blancos into raptures.

But the lead lasted just three minutes. A wicked Atlas corner skidded off Garcia’s shin and into his own net – the defender’s horror-struck face telling the story as the home fans erupted in disbelieving laughter.

Capasso Sees Red, Queretaro Pounce

Game turned in the 52nd minute. Capasso, already on thin ice, lunged recklessly at Gimenez near halfway. Rojas reached for red without hesitation, Hernan Crespo clutching his head on the touchline as Atlas’ task grew mountainous.

Queretaro smelled blood. Homenchenko danced past two challenges before curling a beauty past Vargas in the 70th minute, then Garcia made amends for his earlier blunder six minutes later – Alexis Alcala’s cutback finding the full-back crashing in to lash home from 12 yards.

Crespo’s Crisis Deepens

The stats made brutal reading for Atlas: just 3 shots on target despite 13 attempts, their xG of 0.87 betraying a blunt attack. Crespo’s substitutions – throwing on Duk and Aldo Rocha – yielded nothing but frustration.

For Queretaro, this was a statement. Two yellow cards and 14 fouls showed their streetwise edge, Eduardo Gonzalez Herrera Esteban’s men climbing to fifth with this ruthless away display. Homenchenko’s 1.32 xG alone outstripped Atlas’ entire team output.

What Comes Next?

Atlas travel to Mazatlan next week in dire need of a reset – Crespo’s job security crumbling with just one win from six. Queretaro, meanwhile, host Pumas riding this wave of momentum, their unlikely heroes Garcia and Homenchenko suddenly looking like difference-makers.

One stat haunted the Jalisco air at full-time: Atlas have now conceded first in five straight matches. For all their possession, this is a team playing with fire – and tonight, Queretaro burned them alive.