Game 2: Pumas 1 - 2 Atlante

So Pumas' poor start continues. In a game they again dominated without looking particularly menacing, two Atlante goals in their best twenty-minute spell in the middle of the second half kept them unbeaten in their title defence and consigned Pumas to the bottom of the General Classification.

After the return of "El Chícharo" to Monterrey, and the absence of Nkong on African Nations Cup duty, the Mexican champions nevertheless fielded a strong side in CU. And other than Patiño in goal for Bernal, Pumas fielded the side that started the final back in December. Verón took on the captains armband.

The first ten minutes had little action as both teams felt their way into the game. But slowly Pumas gained the ascendancy with Castro working dynamically box to box and Verón directing the defence calmly. There were even calls for a penalty to Pumas when Barrera was checked in the penalty area after a nice ball from Castro, but referee Erim Ramírez was right to wave play on.

But despite a measure of control Hierro (who took a Leandro cross right off Solari's head due to excellent marking) and Carevic in the heart of the "Potro" defence were looking untroubled, and Zamora had a few nice moments for the Cancún team. Pumas managed more down the flanks than against Chivas, but both Sambueza and Barrera were still a little out of sorts.

The referee kept play moving as best he could, discouraging diving with a couple of well-judged yellow cards, but despite ample possession there were very few chances for Pumas, and Atlante almost created as much up the other end. In fact in the 39th minute they nearly went ahead but Guerrero's long range shot was wonderfully saved by Patiño, and in the same minute the referee rightly turned down claims for a penalty when the ball hit Espinoza's arm as he was turning away. Then Pereyra escaped but he both put the ball wide when lobbing it over Patiño, and was (wrongly) flagged for offside by assistant referee José Santana. Meanwhile at the other end González appeared unmarked at a corner but was unable to force his header past Vilar.

It was a half reminiscent of the first leg of the final, with the university in control but lacking the killer touch, and Atlante looking dangerous on the break but well marshalled by Verón.

Within two minutes of the restart Pumas were ahead and playing more direct football. At this stage you felt that they could and should go on to win the game. A long-range shot rebounded to Barrera wide right and he skipped passed Ovalle before delivering a fine far post cross that Sambueza finished with a diving header. José Cruz reacted almost immediately bringing off Carevic, a central defender, for attacking midfielder and new signing Daniel Arismendi (variously known as "Cafu" and "Tyson").

Pumas were still the better team at this stage, and Scocco went close with a header from a corner, and a frustrated Toledo was booked for charging Castro as he raced clear. But the Atlante equaliser changed the game completely. Espinoza made a poor headed clearance which landed near the edge of the box and Pereyra took a shot. Verón turned away and it struck him on the arm, and Ramírez swiftly pointed to the spot. "El Místico" Pereyra sidefooted the penalty into the top left-hand corner and Atlante were level. It was a very tough call on Pumas, and possibly the only poor decision the referee had made up until then, but it changed the match.

Suddenly Atlante had their tails up and were looking much brighter than earlier in the game. Maldonado had a nice shot saved by Patiño while Scocco and Solari had little opportunity to shine during this spell. Castro and Leandro had briefly lost control of the midfield, and one felt Pumas had to weather the storm.

Instead Atlante manufactured a wonderful goal, and one which ultimately decided the tie. "El Hobbit" Bermúdez held the ball up fantastically well on the left, then slipped the ball on to Maldonado who swivelled and pushed it through to Bermúdez who had continued his run. The diminuitive midfielder held off González and shot low past the goalkeeper with a crisp finish.

Pumas were now chasing the game, and Barrera became more of a threat, as his cross just evaded Solari, and his shot was saved by Vilar after a one-two with "El Tano". The game became very open, but the lack of structure seemed not to suit Pumas, and they were unable to create a meaningful chance during a final 20 minutes in which Atlante fell back further and further, and eventually played down the clock. Any half ideas the university had dried up and Atlante came closer to scoring when a Zamora cross clipped the top of the bar. Pumas' substitutions did little and now they have to face the prospect of trying to earn their first points at the Azteca against América next weekend.

Goals
Sambueza (47 minutes) 1-0
Pereyra (pen)(59) 1-1
Bermúdez (65) 1-2

Cards
Pumas: yellow: Scocco (diving)
Atlante: yellow: Pereyra (diving), Zamora (lunge on Castro), Toledo (block on Castro), Ovalle (time-wasting at throw-in)

Player Ratings
Patiño 7 - good solid performance and a couple of excellent saves
Espinoza 5 - the least assured of the defenders and no danger going forward
González 6 - sound and seemed to know where he was this week (left hand side of defence)
Verón 8 - excellent, calm and distributed well.
Castro 8 - all energy, especially in the first half and involved all over the field
Leandro 7 - did reasonably well but too often sat too deep
Barrera 6 - looks rusty but is starting to get into his stride
Sambueza 6 - as with Barrera, we need to see more from him
Solari 6 - a few nice touches but needs to rediscover the knack of shaking off his marker
Scocco 6 - little opportunity to show what he can do - he needs to look for the ball more.
Iñiguez, Gerardo Espinoza, Bonells - not on for long. All three however had time to show poor ball skills before the end.

Elsewhere in Mexico
None of the big teams had a good weekend. Chivas managed a 1-1 draw with Tecos, with Omar Bravo missing a penalty. Atlas compounded Veracruz's woes and deepened their relegation worries with a 3-0 victory. Pachuca, Cruz Azul and América all lost away from home by the odd goal, while San Luis and Necaxa drew 1-1. Brazilian Itamar Baptista was the star in Jaguares' victory over América scoring the winner on his debut.

Next Up
Is it or is it not a "Clásico"? Whatever it is, it is a big game next week away to América at 4 o'clock on Sunday.

Game 1: Chivas 3 - 0 Pumas

A great night in Guadalajara, if you are a Chivas fan, but Pumas came away from the Jalisco last night having still been unable to break the 26-year winless run in the stadium after a poor performance against a competent "Rebaño Sagrado".

The goals all came in a ten-minute spell just before half-time, and the University were punished for some serious defensive lapses, and a rather lackadaisical approach to the whole match.

But for Chivas, apart from the result, the match was all about a tribute to legendary goalscorer Salvador "Chava" Reyes (picture), who at 71 years of age and wearing number 57 played the first minute or so for Chivas in recognition of his feats at the club. He was then replaced by Omar Bravo and left the field to a heartfelt ovation and a line of Chivas players each shaking his hand. It was clearly an emotional moment but strange that the Mexican Federation should allow this sort of sentimentality during game time. Surely the moment for this kind of tribute is before kick-off?

The game got underway again with Chivas on top, obviously boosted by the emotion, and Pineda was close to opening the scoring, but his header was pushed away by Bernal. Pineda would have to leave the field minutes later after an injury sustained making that header as he collided with Leandro in the air.

The bite slowly ebbed out of the game, and there was little excitement as Pumas started to organise themselves and create a measure of control. Despite a good twenty-minute spell of concerted possession all they could manage however was a couple of long-range efforts, the best from Leandro going a couple of feet wide.

Meanwhile Chivas had looked well set at the back. Neither Barrera nor Sambueza was having any joy down the flanks and Solari enjoyed very little in the way of service. The referee, Germán Arredondo, was also unnecessarily stepping into the spotlight, with Leandro booked for very little (this was to prove crucial later on), Sambueza for nearly making a tackle, and Scocco for protesting that Pumas should have had a penalty when Reynoso handled in the box. It was a penalty but I can understand why it was not given. Needless to say it becomes clearer why Pumas have had to wait so long for victory in Guadalajara.

In a mad ten minutes just before the break the game was decided. With Pumas still on top, if only in terms of possession, Morales skipped down the left flank past Leandro and put in a low cross expertly finished by Sergio Santana. Chivas had looked the more incisive team but at this stage barely deserved the lead for attacking intent. Morales would almost certainly have been brought down by Leandro if the latter had not already had a yellow card, and the goal would not have been scored (and if my grandma had wheels she'd be a bicycle...I know), but the poor booking dished out to Leandro was crucial. It could be that Arredondo was influenced in giving the card by the injury of Pineda who went down under Leandro's pressure early on. Let us hope that the referee was not compensating.

Eight minutes later, and right on 45 minutes, it was 2-0. This time Pumas allowed themselves to be distracted by Omar Bravo writhing around in typically annoying fashion in the Pumas penalty area and failed to clear their lines. Solis broke down the right and centred for Ávila to shoot firmly between Bernal's legs. With both this goal, and the third, the university side lost concentration once the ball was initially cleared with predictable consequences (not least of which was Tuca going apoplectic).

There was more than a stroke of luck about Chivas' third two minutes later, but again Pumas were guilty of failing to follow up a clearance. A corner was cleared, but only as far as Patricio Araujo 25 yards out, and his strike was hit straight at Verón who managed to jab enough toe onto it to send it into the corner past Bernal. Curiously the referee had already lifted his arm and put his whistle to his mouth to signal half-time but then put it down again to watch Araujo's shot before signalling a goal. Maybe I am missing something but surely if time is up then it is up? Although it would make sense for play to continue till the next stoppage, that is not the rule as it stands. But Arredondo inexplicably was rated as "good" by mediotiempo - make of that what you will.

Tuca will undoubtedly be looking again at the central defence, as it became apparent in this flurry of goals that, while González and Verón may have once met on holiday, they are certainly not familiar enough with each other's game to form a smooth unit at the moment. Previously both played on the right-hand side with Moreno on the left. In this match González was supposedly guarding the right channel but neither player seemed certain of where he was in the system. This pairing either needs more time, or Tuca can turn to Pikolín who effectively partnered Verón this time last year.

The second half was dull in comparison to those goal-filled minutes. Iñiguez came on for a lacklustre Sambueza but made little impact other than a shot from the edge of the area which nearly surprised Michel in the Chivas goal. Still, Pumas were noticeably better and while Guadalajara sat back, they more or less controlled the game. Particularly in the opening phase of the half, they created some problems, with Michel saving from Solari after a nice move by Scocco, and Castro going close with a long-range effort.

Ultimately Pumas lacked sufficient rhythm and spark to break down a well-organised Chivas defence. It helped little when Bonells came on for Scocco as he proceeded to spurn the best chance of the game by taking three touches instead of a first-time shot when put through by Solari. Meanwhile Barrera's quiet afternoon was ended when he was replaced by a subsequently anonymous Fernando Morales.

Tuca was understandably grumpy at the press-conference afterwards, and eventually walked out after being constantly interrupted by the noise from an exuberant crowd. Meanwhile several Pumas fans were arrested for doing what they always do at games - selling shirts. It seems a bit heavy-handed by the police - away fans make the games more interesting and should be encouraged to travel, and if selling a few shirts allows them to pay their way...

So a poor start for Pumas, but they have to pick themselves up for a home game against the champions next week, followed by the big one away to América.

Goals
Sergio Santana (37 mins) 1-0
Sergio Ávila (45) 2-0
Patricio Araujo (45+2) 3-0

Cards
Pumas: yellow: Leandro (a Chivas player fell over), Sambueza (nearly made a tackle), Scocco (mouth)
Chivas: yellow: Ávila (two-footed challenge), Araujo (dragging down Iñiguez by the neck), Solis (late challenge)

Player Ratings
Bernal 7 - did nothing wrong
Espinoza 5 - asleep down the right flank - made Román Morales look good
Velarde 5 - poor defensivley and made no impact going forward
González 5 - individually did ok but he and Verón need to communicate more
Verón 6 - looked ok but seemed unsure of his role
Leandro 7 - Pumas' best player, good movement and work-rate
Castro 5 - failed to protect the centre-backs and was anonymous going forward
Barrera 5 - sluggish and lacking in ideas
Sambueza 5 - looks unfit and did little
Solari 6 - bright with little service
Scocco 6 - closely shackled but one or two sparks
Iñiguez 6 - livelier than Barrera and Sambueza
Bonells 4 - looked out of his depth sadly
Morales - only played 10 minutes

Tuca 6 - failed to get his charges going for such big game, although they were clearly more lively after his half-time rocket. Taking off Scocco for Bonells was a mystery unless he had already decided the game was lost and wanted to give Bonells a bit more experience.

Elsewhere in Mexico
The first goal of the new season was certainly spectacular. Local boy Ignacio Carrasco netted from fully 60 yards to claim a 1-0 win for Morelia at Veracruz.

Cruz Azul and Santos shared the points in the Estadio Azul while Pachuca won 1-0 over Tecos with a Cacho header. Walter Gaitán scored the equaliser for his new club Necaxa in a 1-1 draw in Monterrey, in a game where Monterrey scorer Felipe Baloy was sent off after 13 minutes for a petulant kick (1st yellow) followed by a petulant push (2nd yellow). Tigres also drew 1-1 in San Luis.

Atlante once again provided entertainment drawing 2-2 with Jaguares in Cancún. Trailing 2-1 with a minute to go they conceded a penalty which "el Bofo" Bautista scuffed straight at Vilar. Then charging up the other end they equalised with the last play of the game from a fine Maldonado header.

In the Sunday games, Toluca gained revenge for the Interliga, beating Atlas 2-1 while América played out a goal-less draw at home to Puebla, who were denied a clear penalty by referee José Peñalosa when Rodríguez both tripped and pulled back Cámpora.

Next Up
Pumas play champions Atlante in CU in a re-run of last season's final.

Preseason: Clausura 2008

After a 3-2 win against Atlético Mexiquense on Wednesday in CU (goals courtsey of Solari (2) and Barrera) Pumas took on Jaguares in Chiapas in their final warm-up game with the "Copa Chiapas" at stake.

After a turgid first half the game came to life at the beginning of the second half when Solari put Pumas ahead after a pass from Scocco. Two minutes later Scocco put the university two up, and Solari narrowly failed to make it three minutes later.

Jaguares pulled one back almost immediately through Moreira, but "El Bofo" Bautista was unable to earn the draw, spurning a 59 minute chance.

Once again the game went dead, and neither side created much in the last half-hour, but Pumas will be pleased that Solari and Scocco are getting on the scoresheet, so as to avoid the goal drought which blighted the beginning of Apertura 2007.

Elsewhere in Mexico
América booked the second automatic Copa Libertadores spot with a win on penalties against Cruz Azul in their final of the Interliga. While dominated by the "Cementeros" the game nevertheless finished 2-2, then 3-3 after extra time. Goalscorers were Cabañas (2) and López for América and Villaluz, Lozano(pen) and Lugo for Cruz Azul. The unfortunate penalty miss was by Christian Riveros.

Meanwhile Atlas (curiously since they finished bottom of the general table last season) took the third Mexican place in the Libertadores, crushing San Luis with goals from Marioni and Achucarro (2).

Interliga 2008: Cruz Azul 1 - 0 Pumas

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The young Pumas team bowed out of the 2008 Interliga with a promising performance against Cruz Azul who included two of the Pumas 2004 double-winning team, Jaime Lozano and captain Joaquin Beltrán. The "Pumitas" were unable to create sufficient openings but were steady on the field and definitely looked the part against more illustrious opponents. Cruz Azul therefore advance to the finals where a win would see them qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

Pumas started dynamically, and for the first ten minutes were much the better side, with "El Conejo" Pérez having to make a superb save to deny Caprari's left foot shot. Nevertheless Cruz Azul were in front on 14 minutes as Vigneri latched onto a long ball from Villaluz and beat the offside trap before pushing the ball round Palacios and then into the empty net.

For the remainder of the match matters were fairly even. Cruz Azul hung back and played calmly protecting their lead, while Pumas lacked the spark to break them down save for a couple of half chances. Alejandro also made an excellent save, tipping over a powerful header, while Iñiguez again failed with a one-on-one for Pumas.

"El Tuca", although he clearly would have liked to qualify, must be happy nonetheless with the performance of his young players. Sinhué Daniel Jaramillo, David Cabrera, Luis Rosas, new boy Raul Servín and Argentinian Gastón Caprari all made an impression, and there will certainly be healthy competition for places on the bench during the up-coming Clausura tournament.

Pumas: A.Palacios, Jaramillo, M.Palacios, González, Chiapas, G.Espinoza (Juárez), Cabrera, Servín (Santana), Morales (Barrón), Caprari, Iñiguez

Interliga: Other Matches
Monterrey gained a consolation win over already-qualified San Luis, winning 1-0 despite the sending-off of "El Chícharo" González who received a straight red for a tackle from behind on Mario Pérez. The goal came from Chilean Humberto Suazo.

Toluca finished their campaign with a good 3-1 win over Monarcas. Ever Guzmán put Morelia ahead but Giménez, Sinha and Vicente Sánchez secured victory for Toluca.

Meanwhile the regular games concluded with an exciting match in the Home Depot Center, with América defeating Atlas 3-2, the goals coming from Ismael Rodríguez, Cabañas and Argüello. Marioni replied with two for Atlas.

The results leave San Luis and Cruz Azul qualified from Group B , while América go through as top of Group A. Toluca and Atlas finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored but Atlas went through after the drawing of lots.

The finals on Saturday will therefore be:
Atlas v San Luis
América v Cruz Azul

Next Up
The Pumas players will join up with their senior colleagues for the run up to the opening game in the Jalisco against Chivas on 19th January.

Interliga 2008: San Luis 2 - 0 Pumas

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In a dull game in Robertson Stadium, Houston the experience of San Luis was enough to see off the "Pumitas" who were out-thought and out-manoeuvred in midfield. The "Gladiadores" (Gladiators) took a two goal lead and then closed the game down, and the young "universitarios" were unable to create anything substantial to get back into the game. San Luis therefore advance to one of the finals, while Pumas have to beat Cruz Azul to progress.

Although the first half was a calm affair, this suited the "Potosinos" since Pumas were unable to play at the higher tempo they needed. Indeed once San Luis had gone ahead after eight minutes, there never really seemed any way back for Tuca's young team. A poor clearance by Carlos Humberto González fell to Tressor Moreno, and the Colombian surged into the area to put the ball low past Palacios.

San Luis were able to sit back with firm lines in defence and midfield, and although Pumas tried to put some pace on the game, they came up against a solid wall. Bonells found it difficult up front with little service.

Things became worse for Pumas with the second goal on 35 minutes. Mario Pérez got down the left for San Luis and all Alfredo Moreno had to do was push his excellent cross into the net. The "Potosinos" now just needed to kill the game.

After half time there was very little excitement, with San Luis content to play out the game and Pumas unable to offer much creativity. The only threatening situations came from dead-ball plays and couple of shots from Morales and Bonells were all the youngsters had to offer in a sleepy second half. In midfield Diego and Chiapas had insufficient ideas to break down a well-disciplined San Luis.

Pumas now have to win against Cruz Azul in a tricky final group game at the (yet again awfully named) Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Pumas: A.Palacios, Rosas (Morales), M.Palacios, González, Jaramillo, Cabrera, Chiapas, Diego, Iñiguez, Bonells (Rojas), Caprari (G.Espinoza)

Other News
Pumas defeated Pumas Morelos 2-0 in a friendly in CU with two second-half goals from Ignacio Scocco. They continue pre-season against Atlético Mexiquense in CU on Wednesday.

Interliga: Other Matches
In a poor game Cruz Azul gained their first win 1-0 over Monterrey who are now eliminated. The goal came from Edgar Andrade in the 16th minute.

In Group A América came from a goal behind to beat Toluca 2-1 and advance to the finals. Vicente Sánchez scored first for the Red Devils, while Argüello and new acquisition Richard Nuñez netted for the "Aguilas".

Atlas gave themselves a good qualifying chance with a 2-0 win over Morelia. Ex-Puma Bruno Marioni, forming a dangerous-looking partnership with new signing Paraguayan Jorge Achucarro, scored both goals.

Next Up
Cruz Azul at 10.15 on Tuesday night.

Interliga 2008: Pumas 1 - 0 Monterrey

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The Pumas youngsters made a good start to the Interliga in Frisco with a hard fought win against esssentially a first-choice Monterrey team, including "el Chícharo" a new acquisition from champions Atlante, and Jared Borgetti the veteran acquired from Cruz Azul. Pumas welcomed back Fernando Morales from Necaxa and Marco Antonio "Pikolín" Palacios from Veracruz.

"El Tuca" Ferretti obviously had a change of heart, and was there to accompany his young team on a cold night at Pizza Hut Park. There was also a fairly experienced spine to the team, despite so many first team absentees, with Palacios and González in the centre of defence, Chiapas and Diego in the middle and Morales and Iñiguez down the flanks.

Monterrey looked to dominate the early stages but Pumas pressured the midfield well and the "Rayos" were unable to create many clear cut openings. Nevertheless the university team also had problems going forward, with a tame Iñiguez effort all they had to show for the first half hour. Monterrey meanwhile started to cause a few nervous moments with Patiño saving well from "El Cabrito" and a Borgetti header being cleared off the line.

Morales and particularly Iñiguez were causing some problems and the latter nearly opened the scoring near half time but his shot inside the area was blocked.

Pumas pushed up the pace after half time with forward Gastón Caprari to the fore, and Chiapas shot just over after a Caprari cross. Then Caprari put in a lovely cross which Iñiguez stepped over to allow Bonells to prod home for the lead in the 68th minute.

From then on Monterrey huffed and puffed with most of the possession but were able to make little of it, with Solano lucky to stay on after an elbow on Caprari.

The win leaves Pumas level with San Luis at the top of group B.

Pumas: Patiño (A.Palacios), Jaramillo, González, M.Palacios, Rosas (Júarez), Cabrera, DIego, Chiapas, Morales (Bonells), Iñiguez, Caprari

Interliga: other matches
San Luis beat Cruz Azul 1-0 with the inevitable Moreno penalty, due to a shocking refereeing decision, and in a separate incident Miguel Sabah was sent off for protesting about his yellow card.

Toluca and Atlas shared a 0-0 draw in a disjointed game in group A. América meanwhile claimed a 1-0 victory over Monarcas. Argüello got the goal early on, with Ochoa saving a penalty from Romero in the second half.

Next Up
Pumas play San Luis on Saturday evening.