Cruz Azul Vs. Pumas de la UNAM: 3-3 Full Time, An Instant Classic

Cruz Azul versus Pumas de la UNAM isn’t a standard Clasico, but it certainly felt like it in a 3-3 thriller at Estadio Azul. The hosts felt comfortable going into halftime with a 2-0 lead, but Pumas scored three unanswered goals to take a 3-2 lead of their own and get themselves into position to take a crucial three road points against their Group Three rivals. It wasn’t to be, though, as Cruz Azul found the equalizer shortly afterwards.

Cruz Azul’s two first half goals both came off set pieces, with Emmanuel Villa and Horacio Cervantes putting in less than stellar goals. It was a lucky first half for the Blue Machine, with the match being fairly even outside of the goals. The second half was a completely different story, with Pumas coming out hungry and looking to get back into the match. Their first goal was scored in the 59th minute by Juan Cacho, assisted by Martin Bravo, shortly after Pumas should have been granted a penalty kick.

The equalizer came on a spectacular header by Dario Veron, who showed off some incredible hops to get to Leandro Augusto’s ball and head into the back of the net. Pumas’ third goal, the go-ahead goal, was of equal or better quality, an absolute golazo off of a right footed strike by Juan Cacho. After 79 minutes and three unanswered goals, Pumas had a lead on the road.

Pumas’ lead was not to last, though, as Cruz Azul found the equalizer just three minutes later, in the 82nd minute. Recent signing Hugo Drougett scored the equalizer after some pretty moves and a slick finish.