In a thrilling encounter on April 21, 2025, Atlético San Luis edged out CF Pachuca with a 2-1 victory in Liga MX, a match that was crucial for both teams as the season neared its end. The game, held at the Alfonso Lastras Ramirez Stadium in San Luis Potosí, was charged with intensity and drama, showcasing the fierce competition of Mexican football.
CF Pachuca entered the match with high hopes, sitting in 7th place with 28 points from 16 games. They were aiming for a victory that could secure their spot in the playoffs, hoping to break into the top six. In contrast, Atlético San Luis, languishing in 16th place with only 15 points, was looking to finish the season on a high note despite already being eliminated from playoff contention.
The match started relatively uneventfully, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, the second half brought a flurry of action that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The first goal came from San Luis, when Roman Torres found the net following a well-placed cross from Mateo Klimowicz. The goal ignited the home crowd, but it also sparked frustration among the Pachuca players.
Things took a turn for the worse for Pachuca when Javier Lopez received a straight red card after confronting the referee, expressing his discontent following San Luis' opening goal. This dismissal left Pachuca with ten men, complicating their efforts to respond.
Despite the setback, Pachuca managed to equalize shortly after. Substitute Ilian Hernandez made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch of the match. After a failed initial shot that was saved by the San Luis goalkeeper, Hernandez was quick to react to the rebound, slotting the ball home and bringing the score to 1-1.
However, the momentum shifted once again as San Luis pressed forward, determined to regain the lead. They capitalized on a defensive mistake from Pachuca, which allowed Oscar Macias to score the go-ahead goal after a precise low cross from Juan Sanabria. The San Luis players celebrated as they took a 2-1 lead, putting Pachuca's playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Throughout the match, both teams displayed their attacking prowess, with Pachuca managing to create several chances. Salomon Rondon, the experienced Venezuelan striker, had a notable shot that the San Luis goalkeeper struggled to handle, showcasing his power and presence in the box. Rondon, along with his teammate John Kennedy, who has been a standout performer this season with nine goals and one assist, continually tested the San Luis defense.
On the other side, San Luis' Sebastien Salles-Lamonge proved to be a key player as well, having scored six goals and provided two assists throughout the season. His contributions were vital in maintaining San Luis' competitive edge against a strong Pachuca side.
The match was not without its share of cautions, as Oussama Idrissi from Pachuca and Rodrigo Dourado from San Luis both received yellow cards for their actions on the field. The tension escalated as players from both teams pushed the limits, resulting in a physical contest that mirrored the stakes involved.
As the final whistle blew, San Luis celebrated their hard-fought victory, a bittersweet moment as they concluded their season with pride, while Pachuca faced the reality of needing results in their remaining matches to secure a playoff berth.
Historically, the rivalry between Pachuca and San Luis has been closely contested. With this latest victory, San Luis has now won six of their 25 encounters, while Pachuca has emerged victorious 12 times, and the teams have drawn on seven occasions. This match will undoubtedly add another chapter to their storied rivalry in Liga MX.
Looking ahead, Pachuca's path to the playoffs will require them to regroup quickly. With their next match looming, they must capitalize on their scoring opportunities and tighten their defense to avoid further slip-ups. The pressure is on as the league's final matches approach, and every point will count.
As for San Luis, this victory serves as a testament to their resilience and determination, despite the challenges they faced throughout the season. Coach Domenec Torrent can take pride in how his team ended the campaign, showcasing the potential for future success.
The Liga MX season continues to be unpredictable, with the playoff race heating up as teams vie for their chance at glory. Fans can expect more thrilling matches as the excitement of Mexican football unfolds in the coming weeks.
