LEON, MEXICO – SEPTEMBER 21: Players of Pumas UNAM are vew on prior the 11th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Guard1anes 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Leon, Mexico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
The Clásico Regiomontano is Heating Up
After their loss on the road against León, Pumas seeks another victory that could maintain them at the top for the Guardianes 2020.
Pumas suffered their first loss of the Guard1anes 2020, falling short against León in their 2-0 defeat. Lillini’s men will look to maintain a top-four spot against the last-placed team, Necaxa. Pumas and Necaxa have had their share of punches against each other. Necaxa will still be tough opposition, especially at the Olimpico Universitário, where they have lost only twice in their last five games.
The last time the Aurizaulez faced Necaxa at home ended in a 2-0 victory for the home side. Pumas will seek out to repeat that fate. So far, the player of the season, Alfredo Talavera, will not be defending the home side’s goal as he saw a red card in the previous game. 29-year old Julio Gonzalez didn’t seem so out of place when he replaced Talavera; this is a chance for him to regain confidence in the field. Talavera’s red card could not come at a better time, given that he will be able to face their cross-town rivals America on Saturday, October 3rd.
LEON, MEXICO – SEPTEMBER 21: Juan Dinenno of Pumas reacts during the 11th round match between Leon and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Guard1anes 2020 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Leon, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Argentine-Paraguayan duo Juan Dinenno and Carlos Gonzalez could take advantage of this game to increase their goalscoring tally. Given that this is a lower opposition, we could see Uruguayan Facundo Waller start the match for the first time since his arrival.
Andres Lillini has to be careful about who he lines up this Saturday night. Everyone has to be well-rested ahead of the Clásico Capitalino against America. Obtaining a win against Necaxa will be a step closer to securing a playoff spot. Lillini has united this group since his arrival and made them believe in quality football. Lillini has also helped them to achieve things that haven’t been done in a while.
This game against Necaxa shouldn’t be taken easily, but securing a win will mean they’ll be ready to face their toughest opponent a few days later.
