Pumas: Reliving the Top 3 Matches in History

Throughout history, Pumas is one of the most iconic teams in Liga MX history. With their unique logo stamped big and proud in the center of the jersey, Pumas is recognizable everywhere you travel.

Pumas, throughout history, has had very iconic matches that fans will always remember. Some of these matches have either given joy or have hurt fans who witnessed these games. Three of those games will be included below, let us know what other matches stood out to you.

Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu

Pumas were invited to the 26th edition of the Santiago Bernabeú trophy event held in Madrid. Real Madrid filled with the likes David Beckham, Guti, Michael Owen, Figo, and Zinadine Zidane met against an aggressive Pumas team led by former club legend Hugo Sanchez. Pumas was also filled with iconic players who made the starting lineup: Leandro Augusto, Sergio Bernal, Dario Veron, and Francisco “Kikín” Fonseca were among those players.

Although it was a friendly match, Pumas went out to conquer the iconic trophy and beat Real Madrid 1-0. It wasn’t until the 70th minute of the game where notable player Israel Castro sent his shot from outside the 18-yard box made it’s way to the back of the net. Castro’s goal and Pumas’ display on the field completed a perfect and beautiful game for the Auriazulez. This game still lives in the memory of many fans and will live on for a long time.

Bicampeonato Triumph

Having beaten Chivas in the Clausura 2004, Pumas, like any other team, were setting course on becoming champions again. Pumas made their way to the final after eliminating Veracruz and Atlas before meeting Monterrey. Playing home and away finals, Pumas set the tone for the return leg when at the Olimpico Universitario, the Auriazulez beat Monterrey 2-1. The goals came from Joaqíin Beltrán, and David Toledo was sufficient to pressure Monterrey for the second game.

Pumas in the second leg were still dominant, Pumas held well to the result and increased their lead against Monterrey. “Kikín” Fonseca was the man responsible for increasing Pumas’ lead when he managed to score a goal in the 46th minute of the game. Pumas controlled the game and had more chances to score another goal. At the end of the 90-minute mark, Pumas was crowned champion for the fifth time and second time in a row. The year 2004 was an iconic and memorable for the Auriazulez fans.

Copa Sudamericana Fall

Having qualified for the 2005 edition of the Copa Sudamericana, Pumas went on to impress everyone by reaching the final of the prestigious tournament. Eliminating the likes of Brazilian team Corinthians and Argentine club Vélez Sarsfield, they went on to face legendary club Boca Juniors. Pumas held well in the first leg by holding a 1-1 result at home. Going into Argentina, things took a wrong turn.

Pumas, making their way into La Bombonera, fell behind in the score once again. It wasn’t until Bruno Marioni leveled the aggregate once again. The match went to a penalty shoot-out where Boca Juniors rose above the Mexican team and won 4-3 in the shoot-out. Pumas did not return as a failure, but many recognized them for achieving such a run in the South American tournament. Pumas failed to lift this trophy which could’ve turned out to be an remarkable achievement in club’s history.

These were remarkable moments for Pumas, and it is difficult to write all of them here all at once. What do you suggest were the top 3 moments in Auriazul history?