Idrissi gives Pachuca the edge over Pumas ahead of decisive second leg

A first-half goal from Oussama Idrissi handed Pachuca a slim advantage before the semifinal series shifts to Mexico City.

Photo: @tuzos

Pachuca claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Pumas in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinals, but the series remains finely balanced heading into the decisive return match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

Oussama Idrissi scored the only goal of the night in the opening half, rewarding a dominant start from the home side at Estadio Hidalgo. Still, Pachuca failed to fully capitalize on their control, leaving Pumas with a realistic path back into the series.

The hosts immediately imposed their pace and intensity. Enner Valencia created the first dangerous chance just minutes into the match after beating the defensive line and firing narrowly wide.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas quickly became one of the key figures for Pumas, denying Robert Kenedy and later reacting again to keep out a dangerous effort from Idrissi.

Pumas struggled to establish attacking rhythm early on, though Álvaro Angulo and Adalberto Carrasquilla produced occasional moments of pressure. The visitors also appealed for a possible penalty during the first half, but play continued.

The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Following a short corner routine, Idrissi unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that deflected off Nathan Silva and wrong-footed Navas on its way into the net.

Pachuca nearly doubled the lead early in the second half when Enner Valencia found space inside the area, but Nathan Silva recovered in time to block the effort near the goal line.

Pumas improved after halftime, especially following the introduction of Uriel Antuna, who added speed and width to the attack. The visitors pushed higher up the field and forced Pachuca into a more defensive posture during the closing stages.

Tensions rose late in the match after a confrontation involving Jordan Carrillo and Robert Kenedy near the benches. Shortly afterward, Pachuca defender Eduardo Bauermann was shown a red card following a VAR review after bringing down Juninho on a counterattack.

Despite playing with a man advantage in the final minutes, Pumas could not find an equalizer. Carlos Moreno produced an important save from Jordan Carrillo to preserve Pachuca’s lead.

The series now heads to Mexico City with everything still to play for. Because of their higher position in the standings, Pumas would advance to the final with a one-goal win on aggregate in the second leg.