Pachuca hosted Pumas Femenil on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Estadio Hidalgo, kicking off at 19:00 hours, central Mexico time, for an exciting Jornada 12 encounter of the Clausura 2025 tournament of Liga MX Femenil.
The match had significant stakes, with Pachuca sitting atop the league with 29 points. They arrived at this game after drawing 2-2 against Monterrey, maintaining their position as the only unbeaten team after eleven rounds of play. On the other hand, Pumas came limping with 25 points, positioned third after recent performances highlighted by their 5-0 thrashing of Mazatlán, aiming to close the gap on the leaders.
Pachuca featured their star forward, Charlyn Corral, alongside goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras. Corral, not only the team's captain but also the league’s leading scorer, had netted 17 goals this season, leading her team with both her scoring prowess and leadership on the pitch. Pumas aimed to counter with their own talent, including Wendy Bonilla and the dynamic Stephanie Ribeiro.
Under the management of Óscar Torres, Pachuca was confident, having won five consecutive matches against Pumas Femenil, which they intended to extend with home-field advantage at Estadio Hidalgo, known for its fervent support. Despite this, the visitors, under coach Marcelo Frigério, had major ambitions of their own, motivated to upset the leaders and assert their dominance.
The first half kicked off with intense energy, with both teams pushing for control. Pachuca nearly found the back of the net on several occasions early on; yet, it was Pumas who struck first. At the 45th minute mark, Wendy Bonilla expertly finished to give Pumas the lead, and the halftime whistle blew with the score at Pachuca 0-1 Pumas.
Once the second half resumed, Pachuca was determined to respond quickly. Just minutes after the break, at 51 minutes, Corral was fouled inside the penalty area, earning their team a penalty shot. She stepped up to take the penalty herself and pulled off the equalizer at the 53rd minute. The goal restored hope for Pachuca fans who filled the stands.
The match turned even more exciting as both teams fought fiercely. Pumas, still maintaining their strategy, continued attacking through fast-paced runs down the wings. Their efforts, unfortunately, did not yield any additional goals, and Pachuca's defense held firm.
The clock ticked down as both teams struggled for supremacy. With various substitutions, like Ayooluwa Oke's entry for Pachuca, the momentum shifted slightly, leading to tantalizing moments where a win seemed possible for either side. Yet, neither team found the back of the net once more, and the game closed with the final score: Pachuca 1, Pumas 1.
The result maintains Pachuca’s lead over America by just one point, confidently positioning them at the top of the league. Pumas, with their third-place standing, can be proud of their solid performance and potential for continued progress this season.
This match showcased the growing competitiveness of Liga MX Femenil, as both teams provide fans with electrifying performances and visible growth each season. With players like Corral and Bonilla leading the charge, the league is poised for thrilling contests as the teams continue to jostle for playoff positioning.
For fans wishing to follow the competitions, the Liga MX Femenil action continues, with more games featuring top teams and players to watch, reflecting the rising standards and popularity of women's football across Mexico.