Pumas' fortress at the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium has become Pumas' most important stronghold. Last night, they achieved their fifth consecutive victory in the Apertura 2016, defeating Atlas 2-0 with an offensive and goal-scoring performance. The opposition showed little character and even less self-esteem in the face of the disadvantage on the scoreboard.

With 17 points in 10 matches, the felinos (Pumas) maintain a Liguilla pace and continue to rise. The America awaits them. Caution was the watchword in the early minutes of the match between Pumas and Atlas. It was not until the 15th minute when Javier Cortés unleashed the most dangerous shot of the game, only to graze the right post of Argentine goalkeeper Óscar Ustari. And although the University team was not relentless in attack and gave away slight advantages, they also pressed the exit of the red-and-black team and tried to cut off their passing lanes. Too much analysis, both teams waiting for the opponent's mistake to take greater risks.

The strategy for both Paco Palencia and Profe Cruz was to wait. Pumas tried through the wings, but also with precise crosses waiting for a reaction from their attackers. In the 37th minute, Cortés appeared on the edge of the opponent's box to deliver a good pass to Fidel Martínez, but the Ecuadorian failed to finish with Ustari rushing out.

The first 45 minutes were dull, with no goal-scoring opportunities for the visitors and just a couple for Pumas, as well as meticulous refereeing by Fernando Hernández; from the stands, there were more disappointments than memorable situations. As usual, Palencia would redefine objectives, but above all, ways to at least open the scoring. His team's performance was far from the previous four home games. The pace was sluggish.

Right at the beginning of the second half, Jesús Gallardo entered the opponent's box, eluded Rafael Márquez, but couldn't avoid the tackle from José Madueña. The referee immediately awarded a penalty and moments later Darío Verón celebrated the 1-0. The entire Atlas team protested the referee's decision, while the Pumas players joined the former captain in his celebration.

Pumas didn't settle for just one goal. Palencia brought in Kevin Escamilla, positioning the young player as a midfielder, releasing Javier Cortés and Abraham González from certain defensive duties. The modification was immediately noticeable, as it is a constant change in Paco's lineup. More freedom, and the CU team pushed forward with depth. Atlas tried, with the resources they had, but tried nonetheless.

The red-and-black team were barely adjusting to the tactical changes and the substitutions of Jahir Barraza and Daniel Álvarez, when Abraham González recovered a ball in midfield and advanced confidently, opening it to the right side for Pablo Barrera, who took control of the ball, crossed it, and it was the Spaniard who appeared to beat Ustari with a powerful shot. 2-0 and a better offensive performance from Universidad Nacional. With a more defined scoreline, Palencia gave Eduardo Herrera some playing time.

Pumas closed the match attacking, remaining true to the team's essence and mystique. Although the overall quality of the game was not great, the result is important for generating a boost of morale ahead of their match against America this Saturday. The stage was set.

For Palencia, there is still uncertainty about the conclusions drawn from the two faces his team exhibited. With Cortés and González freed up, the Pedregal team displayed a stronger, more imposing side, although against an opponent that did not demand enough but still showed improvement compared to previous matches. Paco will have days to think about his lineup and the necessary strategy against America.