Almada Stuns Pachuca as Puebla Snatch 3-2 Win in Thriller

Puebla snatched a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over Pachuca in the Liga MX Apertura’s fourth round, with Facundo Almada crushing home hopes with a 93rd-minute winner that ignited delirium in the away end.

Puebla’s Lightning Start Rattles Pachuca

The visitors tore up the script at Estadio Hidalgo. Emiliano Gomez fired Puebla ahead on 16 minutes, tapping home Eduardo Mustre’s cutback as Pachuca’s defence stood frozen. The hosts barely had time to reset before Kevin Velasco doubled the lead from the penalty spot on 33 minutes after a clumsy foul in the box. Pachuca’s 60% possession meant nothing – they’d been sucker-punched.

Rondon Sparks Pachuca’s Comeback

Salomon Rondon hauled Pachuca back into it three minutes before half-time, meeting Carlos Sanchez’s whipped cross with a thumping header. The Venezuelan striker then levelled from the spot on 63 minutes after Puebla handled in the box, sending the home crowd into raptures. Momentum had swung violently – Puebla’s 40% possession looked increasingly precarious.

Almada’s Gut-Punch Finish

Just as Pachuca pushed for a winner, Puebla landed the knockout blow. Substitute Lucas Hernandez drove forward in stoppage time, his deflected cross falling perfectly for Almada to volley home from eight yards. The defender’s first goal of the season sparked wild scenes among Puebla’s travelling supporters, leaving Pachuca’s players crumpled on the turf.

The stats told a cruel tale for Benjamin Mora’s men – 11 shots to Puebla’s five, 60% possession, yet only one effort on target beyond Rondon’s brace. Gerardo Espinoza’s Puebla showed the ruthless edge that defines Liga MX, climbing to seventh with this smash-and-grab win. Pachuca, meanwhile, were left to rue defensive lapses that cost them dearly in a match they dominated.