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Pumas Fall Short on the Road Against a Roaring Lion

By Mahonri Mendoza

LEON, MEXICO - MARCH 14: Players of Pumas huddle prior the 10th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on March 14, 2020 in Leon, Mexico. The match is played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
LEON, MEXICO - MARCH 14: Players of Pumas huddle prior the 10th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on March 14, 2020 in Leon, Mexico. The match is played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images) /
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On Saturday night Leon (7-0-3) hosted Pumas (4-3-3) in what seemed to be a stadium packed event got overturned to a closed-door game. The tenth matchday of the Clausura 2020 was played behind closed doors.

Given the implications that the widespread of the COVID-19 virus, Liga BBVA took matters into their own hands to continue play, but kept the fans away from the stadium as a safety matter for everyone.

Leon quickly opened up the scoring in the 13th minute of the game through Fernando Navarro. This goal becomes his first goal of the season.
Carlos Gonzalez tied the scoring after an individual play led to his shot find its way to the back of the net. This goal becomes his fourth goal of the season.

Angel Mena quickly brought Leon back to the lead after Pumas’ defense had some confusion to clear the ball away. Angel Mena, took advantage of this mistake and scored Leon’s second of the night. This became Mena’s eight-goal in the tournament. Mena, after a penalty given in the 40th minute of the game, Mena missed the shot that could extend Leon’s lead over the away side.

LEON, MEXICO – MARCH 14: Joel Campbell of Leon struggles for the ball with Felipe Vasquez of Pumas during the 10th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on March 14, 2020, in Leon, Mexico. The match is played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
LEON, MEXICO – MARCH 14: Joel Campbell of Leon struggles for the ball with Felipe Vasquez of Pumas during the 10th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on March 14, 2020, in Leon, Mexico. The match is played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images) /

Both teams were given chances to score, but it wasn’t until the 90th minute that Victor Sosa called the game when his shot made it past Alfredo Saldivar to confer Leon’s third of the night.

Leon now places in first for the moment. They await the result between Cruz Azul (6-1-2) and America (5-2-2) to see if they will remain in first place in the general standings. Pumas fall to fifth place after tonight’s loss. This loss continues Pumas’ winless run now to four games, three losses and a draw. Pumas’ great start turned into a winless run that needs quick fixing to avoid falling even further in the table.

Tonight’s winner Leon goes on the road as they face America at the Estadio Azteca, meanwhile Pumas host Xolos de Tijuana (2-3-5) with a mission in hand to get a much-desired win. Pumas’ Sebastian Saucedo will miss that game as a red card was shown to him in Saturday’s game.

Next. Should Liga MX Be Postponed?. dark

Pumas needs a change of attitude, given the circumstances they must seek out against Xolos next Sunday. Winning on Sunday will help to stay in the playoff fight and secure their spot for the next round.

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