"Clásico de the Obsession" Set: Pumas Eliminates Pachuca with Jordan Carrillo's Stunner

Thanks to a brilliant free-kick goal by Jordan Carrillo, the university squad secured a 1-0 home victory, tying the aggregate 1-1 and advancing as the higher seed to face Cruz Azul.

Photo: Ig 

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Pumas UNAM pulled off the necessary result and is back in a Liga MX Grand Final. Backed by 46,106 roaring fans at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, the feline squad defeated Tuzos del Pachuca 1-0 in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 Semifinals. This outcome tied the aggregate score at 1-1, granting the auriazul squad the ticket to the final courtesy of their first-place finish in the regular season. They will now face Cruz Azul in the so-called "Clásico de la Obsesión," aiming to end a 15-year championship drought.

Needing a goal to overturn their first-leg deficit, Efraín Juárez’s team adopted an aggressive attacking stance from the opening whistle. The flanks were their primary route, highlighted by the constant runs of Álvaro Angulo on the left and Uriel Antuna on the right. Just 11 minutes in, Pumas nearly opened the scoring when Robert Morales fired a powerful shot against the crossbar. The home side's intensity was relentless, and in the 18th minute, Morales missed another golden opportunity by dragging his shot wide in front of goalkeeper Moreno’s net.

Pachuca, managed by Esteban Solari, managed to stabilize the match after the 20-minute mark. The Tuzos relied on defensive order, hoping to frustrate the university side. Tension escalated on the pitch, leading to physical clashes and yellow cards, notably Nathan Silva’s booking in the 28th minute for a harsh challenge on Enner Valencia. Despite continuous offensive combinations involving Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla, Antuna, and Juninho, the match remained scoreless at halftime.

In the second half, Pumas kept their foot on the gas. Their persistence finally paid off through a set piece. Following a series of defensive imprecisions by the visitors, Jordan Carrillo delivered a stroke of genius, executing a magnificent free kick that found the back of the net, unleashing absolute euphoria in the stands of Ciudad Universitaria. 

This goal, Carrillo's third of the playoffs, forced Pachuca out of their defensive shell. However, tactical adjustments by Efraín Juárez reinforced the backline, closing off spaces and sealing their spot in the championship series. The outcome cemented a tournament run where their regular-season excellence proved vital, allowing them to advance through the playoffs without outright winning either of their aggregate ties.