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Pumas UNAM greatest comebacks in playoffs

By Hector Garcia

Never give up on Pumas UNAM

Never give up on Pumas UNAM

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Pumas will once again go against the odds this Sunday against Atlas in an effort to turn the playoffs around and make it to the 2021 Apertura Final. After the 1-0 win in favor of the foxes in the first leg at CU, the felines are forced to win at the Jalisco Stadium by a difference of two goals or more, given the better position in the table at the end of the regular phase for the team lead by Diego Cocca. 

The task looks complicated for Andrés Lillini's team, but if there is one thing that has distinguished Pumas players, is their ability to rise from the ashes and overcome seemingly impossible results in the playoffs.

Here we look back at the matches:

Clausura 2009 Tournament

In the quarterfinals, Pumas faced Tecos.

In the first leg, played at the Tres de Marzo Stadium, the team from Zapopan won 2-0, leaving the Pumas on the floor. However, in the second leg, at the Olímpico Stadium, the felines won 3-0 to qualify for the semifinals.

That season, Pumas was the champion, beating Pachuca in the final.

Clausura 2011 Tournament

In the first leg of the quarterfinals, Monterrey beat Pumas 3-1 in front of their own fans at the Tecnológico Stadium.

It seemed that everything had been defined in the knockout stage, but in the second leg, at the Olímpico Stadium, Pumas won 2-0 and advanced to the semifinals.

In that tournament, the felines become champions, after defeating Morelia in the final.

Apertura 2015 Tournament

Pumas reached the final, where they faced Tigres.

In the first leg, the UANL team, with a great exhibition, defeated Pumas UNAM side 3-0.

No one expected Pumas to overcome the disadvantage in the second leg, but, incredibly, in an epic match at the Olympic Stadium, they won 4-1, forcing them to go to extra time to define the champion.

In the end, Tigres was crowned after beating Pumas on penalties.

Guardiane’s 2020 Tournament

Pumas' most recent great comeback in the playoffs took place just one year ago.

In the first leg of the semifinal against Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM were demolished 4-0 at the Azteca Stadium.

The second leg appeared to be a mere formality for the Cementeros, but they did not expect an impressive night from Andrés Lillini's men, who came from behind to win 4-0 and qualify for the final.

Pumas lost the final against Leon.

Pumas UNAM vs Atlas: First leg resume 

A brilliant goal and a magnificent defensive performance helped Atlas to win the first leg match. That's what the visitors bet on at Ciudad Universitaria and it worked perfectly. Atlas defeated Pumas 1-0 in the capital with a great goal by Julio Furch and is only 90 minutes away from the 2021 Apertura Final. Atlas can reach the final even if they lose by a one-goal margin in the second leg of the Semi-final next Sunday. 

The main controversy was a penalty awarded by referee Jorge Isaac Rojas after a tackle on Sebastián Saucedo at the end of the first half. However, the VAR corrected the decision and nothing was awarded resulting in the disappointment of the visitors, who were already tasting the possibility of a draw in the added time of the first half. 


 


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