Pumas fall to Pachuca in Liga MX semifinal first leg

Pachuca secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Pumas UNAM in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinals, thanks to a brilliant performance from Dutch winger Oussama Idrissi. The match, held at the Estadio Hidalgo, saw the Tuzos take a narrow lead into the second leg, setting up a tense return fixture at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

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Pachuca defeated Pumas 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals of the Mexican soccer tournament Clausura 2026.

Idrissi was the standout player, consistently threatening the Pumas' goal. His efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute when his powerful shot, initially saved by Pumas goalkeeper Keylor Navas, was deflected into the net by defender Nathan Silva. Navas, who had been in spectacular form throughout the match, making several key saves, was ultimately unable to prevent the deadlock.

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With this defeat, Pumas, coached by Mexican Efraín Juárez, are obliged to win the second leg match on Sunday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario to advance to the final.

Despite the loss, Pumas hold an advantage in the aggregate tie due to their superior regular-season standing, having finished as league leaders. This means a draw in the second leg would see them advance to the final. However, they will need to overcome a deficit and a determined Pachuca side, who arrived in the liguilla as fourth-place finishers under coach Esteban Solari.

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The tie would give the felines passage to the final based on the criterion of better position in the regular phase: they were leaders.

From a Panamanian perspective, the performance of midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla for Pumas UNAM, despite the team's defeat, warrants attention. Carrasquilla played 76 minutes, contributing to both offensive and defensive phases of the game. His statistics, including pass completion rate, progressive carries, and defensive duels won, showcase his importance to the team. While international coverage might focus on the star players or the final outcome, local reporting, like that from TVN Panamá, often highlights the contributions of players like Carrasquilla, underscoring their role in the team's strategy and their individual development within the competitive Liga MX landscape. His presence and performance are a point of pride and interest for Panamanian football fans.

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Idrissi connected another shot from outside the area and this time the ball ended up in the net, deflected by Brazilian defender Nathan Silva.