Analysis The numbers behind the result
Puebla edge Juarez with efficiency despite possession deficit
Puebla's 1-0 victory was statistically justified, outperforming Juarez 1.12 xG to 0.42 — a decisive edge in shot quality despite seeing only 43% possession. While Juarez dominated the ball (57%), they mustered just 1 shot on target from 6 attempts, their 5 box penetrations yielding only 0.42 xG. Puebla created higher-value chances, with 5 shots on target from 11 attempts (8 inside the box), capped by I. Maestro's 11th-minute winner from A. Herrera's assist — one of 3 first-half shots on target that forced saves.
The game pivoted on Juarez's inability to convert territorial dominance into clear chances — their 83% pass accuracy and 4 corners produced only 0.11 xG per shot. Puebla's defensive resilience after I. Moreno's 64th-minute red card (limiting Juarez to 0.27 xG post-sending off) sealed the win. The defining stat: Puebla's 0.70 xG advantage from 43% possession, proving clinical when it mattered.