- Club América have 28 wins in 62 Clásico Capitalino meetings with Pumas, who have 14 victories and 20 draws in all competitions
- Pumas are on an unbeaten run in Clausura 2026, currently placed fifth with around 20 points
- Club América are 7th with about 17 points and have three defeats in their last five across all competitions
Pumas can put the pressure on América with derby day win
Pumas UNAM have more momentum going into the Clásico Capitalino on Sunday and can get the better of Club America with a hard-fought win at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Efraín Juárez has built an aggressive, high-energy unit that presses well and transitions quickly to play forwards. Pumas have been excellent in the counter-attack this term, particularly at home where they have been very good in the last few months.
Guillermo Martínez, also known as ‘Memote’, is Pumas’ most dangerous player in transition. Álvaro Ángulo proved with a brace that won them the game against Monterrey last weekend. Martínez will be licking his lips at the chance to face a side like América, who play a controlled possession-based game.
Pumas have plenty of pace in the wide areas and Uriel Antuna, who can take on his marker and bring others into play, will look to exploit the space behind América’s full-backs. In Keylor Navas, Pumas have an experienced and commanding goalkeeper with a big voice to direct their defence from the back.
Jardine’s men have been inconsistent
Álvaro Ángulo scored a match-winning brace against Monterrey and should be more involved this weekend, but América’s most dangerous outlet on the wings remains Alejandro Zendejas.
He is very good at isolating full-backs and creating chances for himself or his teammates. Raphael Veiga has been their main creative force and has delivered a crucial goal in continental competition; América lost 0 - 1 in Philadelphia in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Pumas have the advantage in freshness as América have been traveling and playing in midweek Concacaf competition, but the real key to the match will be how well América play through Pumas’ pressure.
Juárez’s tweaks and the use of the winter window to strengthen the squad, particularly up front, have helped Pumas maintain their top-six position in the standings. A victory on Sunday would solidify it and put the heat on América, who must be in the Liguilla mix if they are to be serious about winning the title again.
Clásico feels like a no-lose game for Pumas
Backing Pumas to win at 2/1 seems like the best bet here, but América are worthy favourites at 6/5 while the draw comes in at 12/5.
It is very tough to predict a winner in the Clásico and the atmosphere at the stadium will have Pumas very wound up for the game, while América are not at their best defensively right now.
Rodolfo Cota steps in for the injured Luis Ángel Malagón, who was América’s first-choice keeper before his Achilles injury, and we may not see the same levels of solidity in defence until he finds his feet.
Pumas have scored multiple goals in recent home games, while América have shown defensive frailties in March, going down 1-4 to Tigres and 1-2 to FC Juárez.
So the ‘both teams to score - Yes’ market is coming in at a short odds 7/10, which suggests there will be an open game with plenty of attacking intent on both sides.
Both coaches want to win this derby, but Pumas have more at stake right now and that should give them the edge in a game that could swing one way or the other on momentum and nerves.
