Pumas played their worst game of the season, and helped by a terrible play by Dario Veron, that saw him sent off, gave Veracruz three key points in a 2-0 defeat at home. This is the third straight home defeat for the Universitarios in what has been a terrible spiral of play for Pumas.
The first half was a total disaster for the hosts. Pumas lacked intensity, and despite having possession of the ball did very little. The game, though, looked under control until Veron's incredibly reckless challenge got him sent off with plenty still to play in the first half.
After being a man down, Pumas imploded and Veracruz started creating chances. Not long after, in a terrible play, Josecarlos Van Rankin tried to clear a ball, only to see it bounce onto Gerardo Alcoba's head and right into the path of Leandro Velasquez to score the 1-0.
Pumas came close to level the score with a missed header by Britos, but the rest of the half saw Veracruz keep their momentum.
The second half had the return of Nico Castillo to the Pumas lineup but he wasn't able to provide much to the offense. Pumas kept suffering from being a man down, and although they looked better than in the first half, they really failed to produce, as Veracruz countered dangerously.
Finally, in one of the quick counters, Christian Pellerano was found wide open and he scored the 2-0.
To make matter worse a terrible foul call by referee Cesar Ramos resulted in a red to Nicolas Castillo at the end of the game.
This defeat is a severe hit to Pumas. Not only was this against a rival they had dominated historically at home but it was in a week where their nearest rivals had dropped points. The win also complicates things for next week, as it's moved Veracruz out of the bottom spots in the relegation table, and the new bottom team will be Morelia, the team Pumas will face away. If Nico Castillo suspension is not removed, Pumas will be at a terrible disadvantage against another team in a must-win situation.
Meanwhile, for Veracruz this is a huge win. Not only does it get them out of the relegation spot but it looks to be a huge momentum changer as an away win at Pumas is a huge accomplishment. They will need to keep it up as they face Monterrey at home in another important game for them.