A free-kick goal from Jordan Carrillo and a late save by Keylor Navas were enough for Pumas to advance to the Liga MX final against fellow Mexico City club Cruz Azul.
Pumas beat Pachuca 1-0 in the second leg of their semifinal series, putting the aggregate at 1-1 after Pachuca's win last week. But Pumas go through thanks to a better finish in the regular season, a tiebreaker used infrequently in most of the world but with a long history in Mexico.
After a strong start to the game, 24-year-old Pumas attacker Jordán Carrillo put a right-footed free kick off the post and in, giving Pumas the goal that would end up being the winner.
Fans in the Estadio Olimpico Universitario went through several nervous moments in stoppage time, knowing a Pachuca goal would likely put Tuzos through. In the 91st minute, Gael Álvarez had an open shot at the back post that was saved by veteran goalkeeper Navas. But the Costa Rican looked to be beaten just two minutes later with Pachuca forward Salomon Rondon bringing a ball over the top down for a shot at the open net. Rondon hit his attempt over the bar, however, and Pumas was able to see out the match.
Pumas finished in first place in the regular season and now could win their eighth title in history and first since the 2011 Clausura.
Did Cruz Azul or Chivas advance in the Liga MX semifinal?
They now move on to meet Cruz Azul, who were able to secure a 2-1 win in Guadalajara on Saturday, May 16 to win their series with Chivas by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
Italy’s Pio Esposito
Kosovo’s Lumbardh Dellova.
Italy’s Marco Palestra
Jamaica’s Andre Blake and Jahmali Waite
Denmark after losing to Czechia
Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma
Denmark after losing to Czechia
Poland’s Piotr Zielinski
Ian Fray of Jamaica
Leon Bailey of Jamaica
Denmark’s Gustav Isaksen
Italy’s Marco Palestra
Italy’s Davide Frattesi
DR Congo’s Charles Pickel consoles a dejected Jamaican Renaldo Cephas.
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski1 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Pio Esposito
1 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Pio Esposito
2 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Kosovo’s Lumbardh Dellova.
3 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Marco Palestra
4 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Jamaica’s Andre Blake and Jahmali Waite
5 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Denmark after losing to Czechia
6 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma
7 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Denmark after losing to Czechia
8 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Poland’s Piotr Zielinski
9 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Ian Fray of Jamaica
10 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Leon Bailey of Jamaica
11 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Denmark’s Gustav Isaksen
12 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Marco Palestra
13 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Italy’s Davide Frattesi
14 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
DR Congo’s Charles Pickel consoles a dejected Jamaican Renaldo Cephas.
15 / 15
World Cup dreams shattered: See players' heartbreaking reactions
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski
The teams traded early goals, but an Agustín Palavecino strike in the 66th minute made the difference. La Maquina have a title drought of their own, having won in the 2021 Clausura but seeing celebrations of its ninth title muted by the ongoing affects of the Covid pandemic.
The first leg of the final, which will be hosted by Cruz Azul at an alternate venue with the Estadio Azteca already in FIFA's possession ahead of the World Cup, is scheduled for May 21, with the second leg taking place May 24 at Pumas' Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pumas edges Pachuca, Cruz Azul beats Chivas to set up Liga MX final
