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Salomón Rondón sent off for assaulting Keylor Navas in Liga MX match

From El Nacional · (4m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Salomón Rondón was sent off in Pachuca's match against Pumas UNAM for assaulting goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
  • The incident occurred in the final minutes after a penalty awarded to Pachuca was overturned by VAR.
  • This is Rondón's second expulsion in the Mexican league, and he will miss at least the first leg of the quarterfinals.

In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday's Liga MX match, Pachuca's Salomón Rondón saw red after a heated confrontation with Pumas UNAM's veteran goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. The Venezuelan striker's frustration boiled over in the closing minutes, culminating in a direct red card for an aggressive act against Navas. This incident not only marred Pachuca's 2-0 defeat but also casts a shadow over Rondón's participation in the upcoming Liguilla Clausura 2026 quarterfinals.

El hecho sucedió en los minutos finales del encuentro que el Pumas de la UNAM venció por 2-0 en el Estadio Hidalgo.

— El NacionalDescribing the circumstances of Salomón Rondón's expulsion.

The flashpoint occurred shortly after a penalty initially awarded to Pachuca was rescinded following a VAR review. With his team trailing and hopes of a comeback fading, Rondón's temper flared. A minor altercation escalated quickly when Rondón struck Navas with a hand, drawing a verbal warning from the referee. Moments later, in a challenge for the ball, Rondón delivered a kick to Navas after the goalkeeper had cleared the ball, igniting a melee involving players and staff from both sides.

Los ánimos de Salomón Rondón comenzaron a caldearse en el minuto 90 cuando la decisión de otorgarle un penal a Pachuca se revisó en el VAR y terminó cancelada.

— El NacionalExplaining the build-up to Rondón's aggression.

This expulsion marks Rondón's second in the Mexican league, the first occurring during the 2024/2025 Liga MX Apertura tournament. The disciplinary committee is expected to announce the full extent of his suspension, but he is confirmed to miss at least the first leg of the quarterfinals. For fans of Mexican football, such intense moments are part of the league's passionate appeal, showcasing the high stakes and fierce rivalries that define the competition.

El conflicto escaló por el contacto entre el venezolano y el guardameta costarricense. El primero de los hechos ocurrió cuando, tras una intervención defensiva, Rondón lanzó un manotazo al arquero. Pese a las quejas de Navas, el encuentro continuó bajo una advertencia verbal.

— El NacionalDetailing the initial physical contact between Rondón and Navas.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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