Atletico Nayarit Dismantle Xalisco FC in 5-2 Copa Promesas MX Showcase

Atletico Nayarit produced one of the standout attacking performances of the Copa Promesas MX matchday, defeating Xalisco FC 5-2 on September 24, 2026. The away side combined relentless pressure with ruthless finishing, turning a tense early exchange into a convincing victory that will boost their goal difference and confidence in the competition.

Played at the Estadio Municipal de Xalisco, the match was billed as a test of Xalisco’s home resilience against Nayarit’s quick transitions. Instead, Atletico Nayarit dictated the rhythm for long stretches, scoring five goals and exposing gaps in the Xalisco back line.

Match Overview

Xalisco FC began with intent, pushing numbers forward and trying to pin Atletico Nayarit into their own half. But the visitors absorbed the early pressure and struck first through Kevin Ocampo, whose low drive beat the goalkeeper after a smart turnover in midfield. Xalisco responded well, equalizing through Rafael Lomelí with a composed finish inside the box.

The parity lasted only twelve minutes. Atletico Nayarit regained the lead before halftime when Ángel Vázquez converted a cross from the right, and from there the away side never looked back. A second-half burst put the result beyond doubt, with Ocampo adding his second, Bruno Cárdenas finishing a counterattack, and Luis Tapia rounding off the scoring late. Xalisco grabbed a consolation through Sergio Ibarra, but it was far too late to change the outcome.

Key Moments

• 12' — Atletico Nayarit 1-0: Kevin Ocampo pounced on a loose ball and fired low into the corner.
• 22' — Xalisco FC 1-1: Rafael Lomelí leveled with a neat first-time finish after a flowing move.
• 34' — Atletico Nayarit 2-1: Ángel Vázquez restored the lead with a header from a deep cross.
• 58' — Atletico Nayarit 3-1: Ocampo completed his brace after a quick transition.
• 71' — Atletico Nayarit 4-1: Bruno Cárdenas capped a sweeping counterattack.
• 79' — Xalisco FC 4-2: Sergio Ibarra gave the home fans something to cheer with a close-range finish.
• 85' — Atletico Nayarit 5-2: Luis Tapia sealed the rout with a composed finish.

Tactical Story

Atletico Nayarit’s 4-2-3-1 shape was designed to frustrate Xalisco’s build-up and spring forward quickly. Their two holding midfielders screened the center backs, while the wide players drifted inside to create overloads. That approach repeatedly opened passing lanes behind Xalisco’s advanced full-backs.

Xalisco, by contrast, struggled to balance ambition with defensive security. When they committed bodies forward, Nayarit punished them in transition. When they sat deeper, Nayarit’s midfield still found ways to circulate the ball and deliver crosses. The five-goal haul was not simply clinical finishing; it was the product of a clear tactical plan executed with discipline.

Standout Players

Kevin Ocampo was the clear man of the match, scoring twice and constantly stretching the Xalisco defense. Ángel Vázquez controlled the tempo in midfield and added a goal, while Bruno Cárdenas was a constant threat on the break. For Xalisco, Rafael Lomelí showed composure with his equalizer, and Sergio Ibarra kept working until the final whistle.

What It Means for the Copa Promesas MX Table

The three points and a +3 goal difference give Atletico Nayarit a strong platform in the Copa Promesas MX standings. In a developmental competition where goal difference can decide qualification, a five-goal away performance is especially valuable. Xalisco FC, meanwhile, will need to correct their defensive transitions quickly if they are to bounce back in their next fixture.

For Atletico Nayarit, the result reinforces their reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the tournament. For Xalisco, it is a reminder that in the Copa Promesas MX, lapses in concentration are punished immediately.