- Pumas UNAM are slight favourites to win the second leg of this Clausura 2026 quarterfinal, with América’s chances of overturning the 3-3 aggregate hampered by the absence of a key player.
- Pumas have won four and drawn one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- América have won one, drawn three and lost one of their last five, leaking goals throughout.
Pumas have momentum in Monarchy rivalry clash
Pumas UNAM and Club América renew their fierce rivalry in the second-leg of a captivating Clausura 2026 quarter-final that is all square after the 3-3 draw in the first meeting. The clash of styles is always interesting when these two meet with the high-tempo, vertical transitions of the University side always likely to trouble the more deliberate, possession-based style of América.
However, there is much more than bragging rights at stake on Monday when the two Mexico City rivals meet at Estadio Olímpico Universitario with security bound to be tight in the Mexican capital. Pumas only need to avoid defeat on aggregate to progress, while América must win the game outright to progress.
With so much at stake, it could be a tactical chess match but one in which Pumas have the momentum to prevail and reach the semi-finals.
Pumas’ momentum hard to stop
Efraín Juárez has been the architect of a stunning Pumas season in which they dominated the Clausura 2026 table with 36 points and are on a run of four wins and one draw in their last five matches.
Their 2-0 away win at Pachuca and 4-2 home win over Juarez have underlined their depth and firepower in the final third.
Juárez’ men have a blend of attacking talent and late-game composure.
Juninho is their explosive out-and-out striker who gets Pumas off to flying starts, Jordan Carrillo is their creative spark, while Robert Morales, Guillermo Martinez and Pedro Vite have all chipped in with goals and assists since the start of April.
América have a veteran in Henry Martin who can deliver the goods from the spot under pressure, but they could not have asked for a more difficult game than the one they face on Monday.
The visitors were on a downward slide as they finished eighth in the table with 25 points, earning them the low seed in this Liguilla and only just squeaking in.
América have won only one of their last five, drawing three and losing once.
Jardine’s men are capable of a Liguilla upset
André Jardine has fashioned a team that is patient in build-up, but pressing in certain situations to try and dictate the rhythm of the game so they can maximise the creativity in their side. They are an exciting side to watch, but their 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system can be vulnerable to teams that play with numbers in wide areas and use their pace on the break.
América are capable of an upset in this two-leg tie and the first game shows why, when they came from 3-1 down to secure a 3-3 draw after two late penalties by Alejandro Zendejas. He was América’s danger man in that game and has been in fine form, while Rodrigo Dourado has been the rock in the middle of the park amid a few rotations and injury headaches.
The odds are slightly against América to get anything out of the return leg at 137/100, with Pumas rated 89/50 and the draw 61/25, although those prices do reflect the tight nature of this matchup. The media and pundits alike are leaning towards Pumas progressing on aggregate, which would cap a stunning season under Juárez, although América’s knack for late drama could engineer a classic Liguilla upset.
Backing both teams to score at 57/100 seems the only play that makes sense here as both sides are likely to be fairly positive for the duration, given what is at stake. Pumas only need to avoid defeat, so they will likely stick with their regular line-up while América are without the services of Cristian Borja and Brian Rodríguez, which may make them a little lighter in defence and attack. The 1-1 draw looks like the most likely outcome, although Pumas’ home advantage and noisy crowd could just see them through to the last four in a 2-1 win.
