Salles-Lamonge Heroics Sink Pumas 3-2 in Liga MX Thriller

Atletico San Luis Edge Pumas in Liga MX Apertura Classic

Atletico San Luis broke Pumas’ hearts with a pulsating 3-2 victory in Liga MX Apertura Matchday 10, Sebastien Salles-Lamonge twice converting from the spot in a rollercoaster affair at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

Penalty Drama Sets the Tone

The visitors struck first blood in the 21st minute when VAR confirmed a penalty for Felipe Mora’s tangle in the box. Salles-Lamonge showed ice in his veins, sending Keylor Navas the wrong way to silence the Pumas faithful. That composure deserted Oscar Macias moments before halftime, earning a needless booking that foreshadowed defensive chaos.

Pumas roared back after the break – Rodrigo López latching onto a knockdown in the 52nd minute to hammer home from 12 yards. But parity lasted just three minutes. David Rodriguez restored San Luis’ lead with a ruthless finish after Salles-Lamonge’s delicate through ball sliced open Pumas’ backline.

VAR Takes Center Stage

Controversy erupted in the 77th minute when Rafael Llorente’s goal was initially ruled out, only for VAR to intervene again. Two minutes later, Salles-Lamonge was back at the spot after another review, smashing his second penalty into the top corner to make it 3-1.

The hosts wouldn’t lie down. Substitute Olávio Vieira converted a late penalty after Nathanael Ananias was upended, setting up a frantic finale. But despite Pumas amassing 15 shots and 54% possession, San Luis’ defense held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time.

What This Means For Both Teams

For Pumas, this was a gut punch after dominating key metrics – their 11 corners to San Luis’ 2 telling the story of wasted opportunities. Eduardo Solari’s men remain mid-table, their defensive frailties exposed at crucial moments.

San Luis’ streetwise performance showcased Diego Mejía’s tactical nous. Climbing to fourth, they’ve now won three straight thanks to Salles-Lamonge’s ice-cold nerve from twelve yards – his brace taking his tally to five goals this campaign. With the Apertura reaching its climax, this could prove a season-defining result.