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Pumas UNAM will host its second Copa MX match sooner than expected, hoping to snap out of a negative chain of results. After a strong start in Liga MX, Pumas has lost two straight games and will play this Copa MX needing a result in their final home game in the Group stage that comes a little too early. This home game against Potros UAEM wasn’t expected to be played in the Olimpico Universitario until October 23 and Potros was expected to host this game, but bad field conditions at Potros’ home stadium forced the FMF to “switch” venues. Pumas will host its second and last home game in the Copa MX group stage in only its second game in the tournament, meaning they need to get a result fast with the difficulty of having two away games left.
With new head coach Michel, Pumas had surprised most fans by winning their first two games and getting six points in Liga MX. While their opener away in San Luis wasn’t a great performance, they bounced back to dominate at home against Necaxa. The first slip-up came in their Copa MX opener against Atlético San Luis when they were only able to get a draw, although they had a good second half and might have deserved more than a point. Pumas then had their first loss of the season against Tigres at home, but in a game where they had a good first half and many people felt the referee harmed the team with bad calls against the team. Yet nobody was to blame but Pumas when they lost on Friday against Tijuana, in a game in which they got outplayed and never really threatened after going down early. As a result, Pumas now needs to turn things around and Potros UAEM might be the perfect game to do that.
Potros UAEM is expected to be the weakest rival in the group. After losing their Copa MX debut away to Atletico San Luis, they will need to grab at least a point against Pumas. Unfortunately for the Ascenso MX side, they won’t have the benefit of hosting both their home matches in this tournament, as their stadium’s field wasn’t suitable to host their match against Pumas. As such, Pumas will be a tough test, especially knowing that the two losses , as well as the Copa MX draw, means Pumas might need to make a statement this week.
For Pumas fans worried about a possible decline of the team, their upcoming calendar should certainly raise hopes. In addition to facing what is arguably their easiest match in the Copa MX Group Stage, their next Liga MX opponent is Veracruz, who are in the middle of a 30-game streak without a win. Not only are they facing one of the worst teams in the history of Liga MX, but they are doing so in Mexico City, a place in which the Tiburones have historically struggled. For the Felinos, the need to take advantage of this opportunity is imperative. Not doing so will truly increase the criticism, one that would be valid this time around since two weak teams at home will truly be a slump if Pumas don’t take six points out these next two matches.
Date: Tuesday, August 13
Time: 7:00pm Pacific, 9:00pm Central, 10:00pm Eastern
Venue: Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Ciudad de México, México
TV: TUDN USA (US-Español), TUDN (Mexico)
Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription)