In a thrilling and error-filled encounter at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Pumas UNAM and CF Pachuca delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans in the second matchday of the Liga MX Apertura 2025. The final scoreline read 3-2 in favor of Pachuca, but the match was as much about the goals as it was about the dramatic blunders and the resilience shown by the players, particularly the young Pumas goalkeeper, Rodrigo Parra.
The match kicked off at 2:00 PM local time, with Pumas UNAM eager to bounce back after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Santos Laguna in the opening game of the season. Pachuca, on the other hand, came into the fixture with momentum after a solid victory over Monterrey. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams set the stage for a high-stakes clash.
Early on, Pumas seemed to take control. Just six minutes into the match, Álvaro Angulo, the former Atlético Nacional player brought in by Efraín Juárez, made an immediate impact by scoring his first Liga MX goal. Angulo’s left-footed strike from the center of the area found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and putting Pumas up 1-0.
However, the joy was short-lived for the home side. At the 18th minute mark, Pachuca’s Alan Bautista capitalized on a critical mistake by Rodrigo Parra. The 17-year-old goalkeeper, still finding his footing in Mexico’s top flight, lost possession under pressure from Bautista, who quickly seized the opportunity to level the score at 1-1 with a close-range finish. This marked Parra’s second consecutive game where his errors directly led to goals against Pumas, following a similar scenario in the opener against Santos Laguna.
Despite the setback, Pumas pushed forward. In the 28th minute, Jorge Ruvalcaba restored the home team’s lead with a precise right-footed shot from inside the area, assisted by Adalberto Carrasquilla’s incisive through ball. The 2-1 advantage gave Pumas hope, but the match was far from over.
Just three minutes later, Pachuca’s Jhonder Cádiz, a pivotal figure in their attack, headed home an equalizer at 2-2. The goal originated from a well-delivered cross by Alonso Aceves, exploiting another misjudgment by Parra, who failed to correctly assess the flight of the ball. This second error by the young goalkeeper in the first half compounded his difficulties and increased the pressure on Pumas.
At halftime, the tension was palpable. Rodrigo Parra’s struggles did not go unnoticed. In a touching display of sportsmanship, Pachuca’s goalkeeper and captain, Carlos Moreno, approached Parra to offer words of encouragement and a consoling hug, a gesture reminiscent of similar support Parra received from Pumas teammate 'Coco' Carrasquilla in the previous match. This moment highlighted the camaraderie that transcends club rivalries, especially among goalkeepers who understand the unique pressures of their role.
The second half saw both teams battle fiercely, with Pumas eager to capitalize on home advantage and Pachuca determined to assert their growing confidence under coach Jaime Lozano. The game featured numerous substitutions as both coaches sought to influence the outcome, including Pachuca bringing on Gastón Togni and Brian García, while Pumas introduced Pedro Vite and Santiago López among others.
The decisive moment came in the 69th minute when Gastón Togni scored the winning goal for Pachuca. His left-footed strike from outside the area, following a corner kick, curled low and precise into the bottom left corner, leaving the Pumas defense scrambling. The goal made it 3-2 and ultimately sealed the victory for the visitors.
Throughout the match, Pumas’ defensive lapses, particularly from their goalkeeper, overshadowed some promising attacking moments. Parra’s total of four errors across the first two games has sparked debate about the club’s planning and readiness, especially after the departure of Álex Padilla, who returned to Athletic Club de Bilbao after a six-month loan spell. The pressure on the young goalkeeper to fill big shoes has been immense, and critics have pointed to the coaching staff, led by Efraín Juárez, for not adequately preparing a smoother transition.
Despite the disappointment, Pumas showed glimpses of quality. Players like Guillermo Martínez and Piero Quispe created chances, with Martínez notably attempting several shots, though none found the net in the second half. The team also displayed fighting spirit, pushing for an equalizer in the final minutes, even as Pachuca held firm.
The match featured intense physicality, with several fouls and bookings. Adalberto Carrasquilla received a yellow card for dangerous play, and Rubén Duarte also saw yellow for his defensive efforts. The referee added six minutes of stoppage time in the second half, reflecting the match’s intensity and interruptions due to injuries and substitutions.
Looking ahead, Pumas face growing pressure to stabilize their defense and find consistency. Rumors continue to swirl about the possible arrival of Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, a move that could significantly bolster the squad’s confidence between the posts. For Pachuca, the victory marks a positive trajectory under Jaime Lozano, who is blending youth and experience effectively and has the team poised as a dark horse this season.
In the end, the match was a vivid showcase of Liga MX’s unpredictability and passion. While Pachuca took the points, the story of the day centered on the young goalkeeper Rodrigo Parra’s challenging start to the season and the sportsmanship that shone through amid the fierce competition. Fans will be watching closely to see how Pumas regroup and whether Parra can overcome his early setbacks to become the reliable last line of defense the club desperately needs.
As the Apertura 2025 unfolds, this game will be remembered not just for its goals but for the human drama that plays out on the pitch, reminding us all why football is much more than just a game.
