Pachuca, Mexico – November 20, 2025 – In a high-stakes Liga MX Apertura 2025 Play-In clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, CF Pachuca delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM at Estadio Hidalgo, securing their spot in the prestigious Liguilla playoffs while shattering Pumas’ postseason dreams. The Pachuca vs Pumas showdown, a classic rivalry renewed under the bright lights of playoff pressure, showcased the Tuzos’ resilience with a dramatic comeback fueled by star forward Enner Valencia and Brazilian winger Kenedy’s brace.
This Liga MX Play-In thriller not only highlighted Pachuca’s tactical prowess under new manager Esteban Solari but also exposed Pumas’ vulnerabilities despite their possession dominance. As the Apertura 2025 season hurtles toward its climax, this result positions Pachuca as dark horses in the Liguilla, while Pumas face a painful offseason reckoning.
A Rollercoaster of Goals: Key Moments from Pachuca vs Pumas
The match kicked off with Pachuca asserting early dominance, pressing high and testing Pumas’ defense from the outset. Just nine minutes in, an annulled goal involving Enner Valencia set the tone for the Tuzos’ attacking intent. Pumas, led by veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, absorbed the pressure but struggled to convert their 58.7% possession into clear chances.
First-Half Fireworks Seal Pachuca’s Momentum
- 33′ – Pachuca 1-0 Pumas: Enner Valencia unleashed a thunderous low-driven strike from outside the box, assisted by young talent Alan Bautista, to break the deadlock. The Ecuadorian international’s precision curled the ball beyond Navas’ despairing dive, electrifying the home crowd.
- 40′ – Pachuca 2-0 Pumas: Kenedy doubled the lead with a sublime long-range effort, threading the needle past a helpless Navas. Assisted by Valencia, the Brazilian’s venomous shot from 25 yards epitomized Pachuca’s counterattacking flair in the Liga MX Apertura 2025.
Pumas mounted a late first-half surge, with Álvaro Angulo’s 44th-minute effort forcing a fingertip save from Carlos Moreno, but the damage was done. Pachuca headed into the break with a commanding lead, having outshot their rivals 6-4.
Second-Half Drama: Pumas’ Late Rally Falls Short
The restart saw Pumas introduce game-changer Pedro Vite at halftime, injecting fresh energy into their attack. Pachuca nearly extended their lead in the 52nd minute when Bautista’s curling corner-kick effort skimmed the post.
- 55′ – Pachuca 3-0 Pumas: Kenedy struck again, latching onto Oussama Idrissi’s pinpoint wing run for a clinical one-on-one finish. The brace hero’s composure under pressure left Navas rooted, capping a masterclass in transitional play.
- 64′ – Pachuca 3-1 Pumas: Vite pulled one back for Pumas with a ferocious 20-yard rocket, his powerful strike finding the top corner after a clever control. The substitute’s goal sparked brief hope, but it was mere consolation as Pumas’ frantic pushes yielded little else.
Navas shone in damage control, denying Valencia a fourth in the 66th minute with a world-class reflex save, but Pachuca’s defense held firm through seven minutes of added time. Final stats underscored the Tuzos’ efficiency: 11 shots to Pumas’ 13, but 5 on target apiece, with zero yellows for Pachuca compared to two for the visitors.
Standout Stars: Valencia and Kenedy Light Up the Play-In
Enner Valencia was the undisputed man of the match, notching a goal and assist before an injury-forced substitution in the 58th minute. The 36-year-old’s influence extended beyond the scoresheet, terrorizing Pumas’ backline with his movement and vision. Kenedy, on loan from Chelsea, stole the spotlight with his brace, his two screamers from distance evoking memories of his Premier League days.
For Pumas, Pedro Vite’s impact off the bench offered glimmers of what might have been, while Navas’ heroics prevented a rout. However, the Auriazules’ inability to capitalize on 8 corners and superior possession highlighted deeper issues in finishing under pressure.
Liguilla Bound: What Pachuca’s Win Means for Liga MX Apertura 2025
This Pachuca vs Pumas triumph catapults the Tuzos into the Liga MX Liguilla, where they’ll face stiffer competition from powerhouses like América and Tigres. Coming off a rocky regular season that saw the sacking of Jaime Lozano, Solari’s men have rediscovered their swagger, blending youth like Bautista with experience from Valencia and Idrissi.
Pumas, meanwhile, crash out of the Apertura 2025 playoffs in heartbreaking fashion, their elimination costing millions in lost revenue and prestige. Coach Antonio Mohamed now faces scrutiny over tactical lapses, with fans lamenting a campaign marred by inconsistency despite high expectations.
As the Liga MX postseason intensifies, all eyes turn to Pachuca’s next hurdle. Can the underdogs sustain this momentum and challenge for the title? For now, the Hidalgo faithful are dreaming big after one of the most exhilarating Play-In nights in recent memory.
