Pumas scored a last-gasp winner against the run of play to get a 1-0 victory at Leon on Saturday. In contrast to last season, when they won their first away win in the final game of the regular season, Pumas get an important away win against a tough team. The Universitarios dominated for long stretches, especially in the first half, but would tire out, as Leon were left to rue their missed chances..
Pumas dominated the first half and created the better chances. The absence of Nicolas Castillo, though, really hurt the team, as Bryan Rabello tried to do his best to play in a forward role.
In the final minutes of the first half, Leon broke through and Gullit Peña had consecutive 1 v 1s against the Pumas' goalkeeper that he wasted.
The second was more of the same, with Pumas having more control of the game. Things looked to be improving for them when Matias Britos was subbed in, which meant the team finally had a natural center forward playing. But surprisingly, Pumas played worse when Britos came on, probably due to the rust from his inactivity to injury.
In the final minutes, Leon had an incredible chance that Mauro Boselli whiffed, which will make the blooper highlights of the season. In an ensuing corner kick, Leon hit the post, and it looked like Pumas were begging for the final whistle.
But in Pumas’ final attack, a low cross found Jesus Gallardo, who scored with a left footed kick.
With the result, Pumas got a huge victory away at Leon. Although they suffered defensively and may not have deserved the win, they looked a lot better than in their game against Cruz Azul. Also with Nicolas Castillo coming back and with Matias Britos getting some time, the future looks brighter offensively. They will also go back home next week to face Necaxa, a game they should win. Leon looked good at times but will have to go away to face a tough match against Monterrey, where they will not be favored.