The Copa MX: a Balm for Pumas in the Midst of Crisis

The favorable results have forgotten about Pumas in the Clausura 2018 League tournament. The team led by David Patiño, in a matter of weeks, went from the top of the overall table to being outside of the direct spots that grant a ticket to the playoffs. The crisis has registered all kinds of criticism, from the management of the dressing room by the coach, to the drop in the level of key players in the main lineup, such as Nicolás Castillo and Alejandro Arribas, among others... However, alongside this debacle, the Copa tournament has served as a kind of balm for Universidad Nacional.

In this tournament, with lineups mostly composed of youth academy players, Pumas has reached the quarterfinals, displaying effective football that makes them one of the favorites to win the title. Thus, what seemed like an exercise in giving minutes to young prospects, Universidad now faces a decisive stage, the first of great importance in David Patiño's tenure and the leadership of Rodrigo Ares de Parga and the board. And yes, this competition has served to highlight names that now gain relevance, such as Alan Mozo, Alan Mendoza, Alan Acosta, Brian Figueroa, and Kevin Escamilla.

When the Copa began for Pumas, few expectations could be expected after the first 90 minutes in Puebla, where Lobos BUAP defeated them 2-0. It was mid-January. Worse yet, not only was the defeat a consequence of the opening match for Universidad, but due to different injuries, Rodrigo González and Yuber Asprilla were dropped from the first team; both have not been called up ever since. At that moment, not even the most optimistic of the auriazules fans would have considered that the competition would gain such relevance, especially since the club preferred to focus on the League since the new format came into effect in mid-2012.

The Pedregal team then needed to close the regular phase perfectly to advance to the next round, and the dynamic would remain the same: "We will face this tournament with the La Cantera boys," said David Patiño at the time. Two wins and a draw, as well as eight goals for and two against, put to rest any speculation; Pumas advanced to the round of 16 of the tournament as the fourth-best ranked team in the general classification and with seven points, giving them the lead in the fifth group. The spotlight was on players who on paper counted for little in the League, but who had excelled in the Copa. Alan Mendoza had scored three goals, while Érick Torres had two.

The star lineup in the Copa was reinforced by experienced foreign players like Abraham González and Mauro Formica, who in this tournament took on a greater role, carrying the weight of the young players and leading the group. "The intention is to keep fighting in both competitions, we have a large group, both with experienced players and homegrown players who want to have playing time," said Patiño before the round of 16 match, where Lobos BUAP crossed paths with them for the third time in less than two months. "We will face them with the ones who I think are in the best form," the feline coach concluded.

And yes, to the surprise of many, Liga protagonists like Nicolás Castillo and Matías Alustiza led Pumas' attack at the Estadio Olímpico, with several young players who had already stood out, as mentioned before. After an intense first half, it was Alan Mendoza who, at 49', the top scorer for Universidad in this tournament, opened the scoring with a free kick; Jesús Gallardo, who came on as a substitute, increased the lead at 73', inside the box, beating José Canales with a cross shot; Alustiza himself would seal the deal when the match was ending, thanks to a precise cross from Josecarlos Van Rankin.

"We want to win the Copa, it is not an obligation, it is a desire, an intention; the tournament has served us to highlight certain players and consider them for the first team," Patiño declared after eliminating Lobos... While it is clear that the priority is to qualify for the playoffs in the League, and compete for the championship, the Copa has served to restore confidence, rejuvenate the squad, and even more so, to give relevance to La Cantera, showcasing its best gears. Now, back at Ciudad Universitaria, the opponent will be Necaxa, and although Cruz Azul is also being watched, overcoming the Rayos would secure their ticket to the semifinals.

MOST RELEVANT PLAYERS

Although David Patiño has rotated most of the 17 academy players he has used in the Copa, three of them have played every minute and have had outstanding performances. First and foremost, the blue and gold coach has reaffirmed his trust in Bernabé Magaña to guard Pumas' goal, and so far, the 24-year-old goalkeeper has not disappointed. He has conceded four goals in five games and, in the round of 16 against Lobos BUAP, during a large part of the first half, before Universidad took the lead, he prevented at least two very clear scoring opportunities, keeping the goal safe from any danger.

Although Abraham González and David Cabrera have played in the holding midfielder position in this tournament, the pivot who has remained a constant presence is Kevin Escamilla. The 2011 U-17 World Cup champion has had the freedom to play as an attacking midfielder, even scoring a goal. He is an immovable part of each lineup. In the midfield, the number 6 lays the groundwork for plays that end in deadly attacks, he links up with his teammates and even dares to shoot from outside the opposing area; as primary functions, he also recovers balls and joins the defense in defensive duties.

But perhaps the biggest surprise of this tournament for Universidad Nacional has been Alan Mendoza. The nominal left-back has had an outstanding influence on Pumas' game; David Patiño has used him as an interior, winger, and even as an attacking midfielder, a situation that has rewarded the player, who came through the Pedregal's academy, with four goals and a permanent presence in the Copa. "I know what Alan is capable of, I have known him for several years; I have talked to him several times, trying to make him understand his ability and the player he can become," the coach said about his unexpected weapon.