The UNAM Cougars earned a commanding spot in the semi-finals after a decisive victory over Guadalajara, signaling their strong finish in the opening stage of the season’s knockout rounds.
On Sunday, December 3, a crowd gathered at Estadio Olimpico Universitario to witness the quarter-final rematch between the Cougars and Chivas as part of the League MX 2023 opening tournament. Guadalajara carried a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but the on-field narrative shifted quickly. The home team seized momentum early and never looked back, turning the aggregate score in their favor as the clock ticked away.
Early in the match, UNAM struck first through a fortuitous own goal by Antonio Briseño, a miscue that unsettled Chivas and set the tone for what followed. Moments later, the Cougars extended the advantage with a penalty converted by Chino Huerta, showcasing composure from the spot and a growing sense of belief among the home supporters. The opening exchanges established a tone of urgency for the visitors, who found themselves chasing the game from the outset.
In the second half, the contest opened up further and a pivotal moment arrived when Gabriel Fernández found the back of the net, sealing a 3-0 victory on the night and confirming a place in the semi-finals for UNAM. The result reflected not only clinical finishing but also a disciplined defensive effort, limiting Chivas to chances and preserving the clean sheet. The performance demonstrated the Cougars’ readiness to contend deeper in the competition and underscored their claim as legitimate title contenders.
In GOAL We bring you minute by minute and a summary of the match:
PUMAS VS CHIVAS: MINUTE BY MINUTE
HOW TO WATCH ON TV AND ONLINE
The game could be viewed on Channel 5 and TUDN, with additional streaming options through the Vix Premium application. The service supports devices running iOS and Android, ensuring fans could follow the action across multiple platforms.
ALIGNMENTS
PUMAS
The starting XI for UNAM reflected a balanced approach, combining solid defense with intent to press high and exploit gaps in the back line. The midfield trio worked tirelessly to recover possession and transition quickly, while the forwards pressed the channels to create shooting opportunities and disrupt Chivas’ buildup.
CHIVAS
Chivas approached the tie with a resolve to overturn the deficit, lining up with a setup aimed at quick counterattacks and controlled possession in the middle third. The strategy sought to unlock their forwards with precise service and to stabilize the defense against UNAM’s intensified pressure.
RESUME
The match ended in a clear 3-0 triumph for UNAM, a result that underscored their strength in the knockout phase and their capacity to convert chances when it mattered most. The early own goal and the subsequent penalty shifted the dynamic decisively, and Gabriel Fernández’s late strike served as a definitive seal on the evening. The performance illustrated the Cougars’ strategic depth, resilience, and readiness to compete for the league’s latter stages. As the competition progresses, both teams can reflect on the twists of this quarter-final and prepare for the next chapter with a clear sense of purpose.
In the broader context of the tournament, this victory reinforced UNAM’s status as a rising force within the league, capable of controlling tempo, exploiting opportunities, and defending with discipline. Chivas, meanwhile, will need to reassess and regroup as they look ahead to the next rounds, aiming to translate potential into results in the face of higher-stakes matchups.
Source: Goal