As we reach the middle of the Guard1anes 2020 Tournament, we take a look at Pumas keys to success to get there where they want to be.
We recap that Head Coach Luis Michel decided to depart the club just a few days before the season started, leaving Pumas vulnerable. It was announced that Andres Lillini would take care of the group. Following a few good games, it was announced that Lillini would be the head coach towards the end of the tournament.
Juan Dinneno’s goal-scoring streak gave Pumas hope to fight for a top spot in the table. A place that they’ve been able to maintain in the past seven fixtures. The auriazulez have been great, winning three games and leveled four times. They are the only team that has yet to lose a game. Pumas currently sit at the third spot with 13 points.
Pumas face on Saturday a tough challenge at home when they’ll host Puebla. Puebla has scored as many goals as the Auriazulez, which can only conclude that the defense will have to be as stable as ever to maintain a clean sheet. Lillini’s men have the home team advantage as Puebla has not won a game in the Olímpico Universitario since 2017.
The team will have to be careful and seek to get a positive result against Puebla. Pumas has only won one of their five past encounters with Puebla claiming two wins. To maintain that unbeaten streak, they’ll rely on Carlos Gonzalez and Juan Dinenno to get the job done upfront.
The signing of Alfredo Talavera made an immediate impact for the club. Only allowing six goals in total, Talavera has consolidated himself as a critical player in Lillini’s team.
After facing Puebla, the Auriazulez have two games where they could go either way. They go on the road to Torreón to face Santos and host Atletico San Luis, a team that they’re expected to win. The route continues for them, but with the combination of good soccer and positive results, they could be a real threat for the championship.