Chivas vs Pumas: A Thrilling Apertura 2024 Match in Liga MX
Prelude to the Match
The Estadio Akron will witness an electrifying clash between two of Liga MX's most storied clubs, Chivas and Pumas, on the opening night of the 2024 Apertura tournament. Both teams enter the contest with high hopes and a burning desire to start their campaign with a statement.
Lineups and Formations
Chivas:
4-3-3
Gudiño (GK)
Van Rankin, Sepulveda, Mayorga, Cervantes
Cisneros, Mozo, Briseño
Zaldívar, Pulido, Alvarado
Pumas:
4-4-2
Talavera (GK)
Freire, Atienza, Trigos, Sanchez
Dinenno, Lira, Ortiz, Ruvalcaba
Del Prete, Barajas
First Half: End-to-End Action
The match erupted into life from the opening whistle, with both teams trading blows. Chivas controlled the early possession, but Pumas posed a constant threat on the counterattack. Lira's strike in the 15th minute drew the first save from Gudiño, while Zaldívar narrowly missed with a header at the other end.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 27th minute. Taking advantage of a defensive lapse, Alvarado pounced on a loose ball and fired it past Talavera, giving Chivas the lead. Pumas responded with renewed determination, and Del Prete leveled the score with a powerful shot from outside the box just before halftime.
Second Half: Drama and Controversy
The second half continued at a breakneck pace. Both teams pushed for a winning goal, but it was Chivas who regained the advantage in the 62nd minute through a brilliant free-kick by Briseño.
Controversy arose in the 75th minute when Dinenno was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. After consultation with VAR, the referee awarded a spot-kick to Chivas. Pulido stepped up and converted the penalty with aplomb, restoring Chivas' two-goal lead.
Pumas refused to go down without a fight. Barajas pulled one back with a close-range finish in the 85th minute, setting up a tense finale. However, Chivas held on for a 3-2 victory, claiming all three points in a match that lived up to its billing.
Post-Match Reaction
Chivas coach Ricardo Cadena praised his team's character and resilience in overcoming a tough challenge. "We knew this would be a difficult game, but our players showed great spirit and determination," he said.
Pumas boss Rafael Puente conceded that his team had come up short but praised their efforts. "We gave everything we had, but it wasn't enough tonight. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger," he said.
Conclusion
The Apertura 2024 season began in thrilling fashion with Chivas edging out Pumas in a pulsating contest. Both teams showed their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, promising an exciting and competitive tournament ahead.