Pumas defeat Juárez on penalties and remain in the Play-In

With much drama, the Pumas defeated FC Juárez 1-2 in a penalty shootout and advanced to the second match of the Play-In . The auriazul dream of reaching the quarterfinals remains intact.

After the 90 minutes of regulation, the tie (1-1) remained at the Olympic University stadium and everything was decided from the 11 steps .

Alex Padilla , as the star player in stopping three penalty shots, and Robert Ergas, as the last scorer in what practically became a sudden death, became the stars of Los del Pedregal.

The stormy Play-In duel started off intensely, but the visitors took a chance by taking the lead.

With a spectacular cut inside the area and a great definition, with his characteristic left foot, Guillermo Martínez (16') opened the scoring in La Frontera.

However, the excitement didn't last long for Efraín Juárez and his team because of Madson de Souza .

The Brazilian winger took advantage of a weak free-kick from Ignacio Pussetto and slotted the ball home (20') through the only opening Alex Padilla had given him. Another mistake from the much-criticized Mexican goalkeeper, but he would have his moment to shine.

The match was proceeding normally. Both teams measured each other, waited for their opponents' reaction after the draw, and failed to create any scoring opportunities.

Suddenly, the action that could change the course of the match appeared: El Memote was sent off (35') .

The Mexican center forward made a mistake when he attacked Colombian Bravos center back Jesús Murillo with a kick to the face.

Despite Martín Varini's team having the numerical advantage, they failed to take advantage of it.

The university students, for their part, did not lose control playing with 10 men and managed to maintain the tie , even taking it to a penalty shootout.

There, Efraín Juárez's Pumas relied entirely on Alex Padilla, who didn't disappoint and kept them alive in the Play-In.

SV