- Pumas UNAM were the best team in Clausura 2026, finishing first in the regular season with 36 points and a +17 goal difference.
- Pachuca CF finished fourth in the Clausura 2026 standings with 31 points and +6 goal difference, earning them a spot in the Liguilla semi-finals.
- Pumas UNAM are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions (W3, D2) while Pachuca CF are in good form with three wins and two losses in their last five.
Pumas and Pachuca to battle for top honours in a classic Liga MX semi-final
Pumas UNAM and Pachuca CF will face off in a two-leg battle for a spot in the 2026 Clausura final and a chance to win silverware and qualify for continental competition.
Pumas are the slight favourites at 49/50 for Monday’s first-leg fixture against Pachuca, who are coming in at 51/20, while the draw is 14/5, which looks a bit skinny for a close encounter that should suit both sides. Over 2.5 goals, however, looks a much more favourable option at 87/100 considering the attacking quality and form of both sides heading into the fixture.
Pumas boss Efraín Juárez, a club legend as a player, has done a brilliant job to get the team top of the table in the league phase and implement a high-pressing system that has seen them score multiple goals in four of their last five matches. The Mexican coach has the depth to rotate his attacking players, who provide width and create numerous chances, while Keylor Navas brings experience and stability to the backline.
Pumas finished the season with a solid defensive record and Juninho’s goalscoring form surged at the right time to help them beat Pachuca away from home in the reverse league fixture back in April. Robert Morales has also found form in the latter part of the season, scoring in that 2 - 0 win at Estadio Hidalgo.
Pachuca could spoil the Pumas’ party
Esteban Solari has done an excellent job at Pachuca, combining youth development with the experience and finishing ability of Salomón Rondón, who has scored plenty of crucial goals this season, to reach the Liguilla semifinals in 2026. Pachuca have an identity and they stick to it, playing through the wings and creating overloads, but also possessing the discipline to stay in their 4-3-3 shape, whether they’re on or off the ball.
Pachuca have a knack for knocking out the big boys and their knockout experience could be crucial in this tie, as they beat Toluca twice in the quarter-finals, including a 2-0 home win to progress. Víctor Guzmán is the master of Pachuca’s midfield, contributing to goals as well as creating them, while rotation attackers Oussama Idrissi and Kenedy also chip in with goals and assists.
Pumas are a good side with momentum behind them, but Pachuca have shown they can raise their level when it matters most and will not roll over for their more-fancied visitors on Monday.
