Cruz Azul Women 3-2 UNAM Pumas Women: Five-Goal Thriller in Liga MX Femenil

Cruz Azul Women edged out UNAM Pumas Women 3-2 in a pulsating Liga MX Femenil encounter on 12 September 2026, delivering one of the most entertaining matches of the round. Five goals, momentum swings, and late drama kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish at La Noria.

The result sees Cruz Azul claim a vital three points in their push for a higher finish, while Pumas are left to rue a spirited performance that ultimately fell just short. The match showcased the growing quality and competitiveness of the Mexican women’s top flight, with both sides displaying attacking intent and no shortage of technical ability.

Match Overview

Cruz Azul started brightly, pressing high and forcing Pumas into early mistakes. Their reward came midway through the first half when a well-worked move down the right ended with a precise finish into the bottom corner. Pumas responded well, equalising soon after with a clever set-piece routine that caught the Cruz Azul defence napping.

The game ebbed and flowed. Cruz Azul regained the lead before half-time with a powerful header from a corner, but Pumas refused to lie down. Early in the second half, the visitors levelled again, capitalising on a defensive mix-up and finishing with composure. It looked as though the points might be shared, but Cruz Azul had other ideas, scoring the winner in the closing stages to send the home crowd into raptures.

Key Moments

• 22nd minute: Cruz Azul open the scoring with a low finish after a slick passing move.
• 35th minute: Pumas equalise from a free kick, the ball bundled in at the back post.
• 44th minute: Cruz Azul restore their lead with a towering header from a corner.
• 54th minute: Pumas pull level again, punishing a loose pass in the Cruz Azul defence.
• 78th minute: Cruz Azul score the decisive goal, a clinical finish on the counter-attack.
• 90+3 minute: Pumas’ last-gasp effort is cleared off the line as Cruz Azul hold on.

Tactical Story

Cruz Azul set up in a 4-3-3, looking to use their pace on the wings to get in behind the Pumas full-backs. Their midfield trio controlled the tempo for large periods, switching play effectively and creating overloads. Pumas, meanwhile, adopted a 4-2-3-1 and looked dangerous on the break, with their number ten finding pockets of space between the lines.

Defensively, both teams showed vulnerabilities. Cruz Azul’s high line was almost punished on several occasions, while Pumas struggled to deal with crosses into the box. In the end, Cruz Azul’s greater cutting edge in the final third proved decisive. The winning goal came from a rapid transition, exposing Pumas’ commitment to chasing an equaliser.

Standout Players

Cruz Azul’s forward line was relentless, with the goalscorers all taking their chances well. The winger who provided two assists was a constant threat, beating her marker repeatedly. In midfield, the captain dictated play with intelligence and composure. For Pumas, their striker was excellent, scoring one and creating another, while their goalkeeper made several fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Table and Season Impact

This victory strengthens Cruz Azul’s position in the Liga MX Femenil standings and adds to their growing reputation as a side capable of challenging the established powers. For Pumas, the defeat is a setback, but their performance showed they can compete with the league’s best. With the season still unfolding, both teams will take valuable lessons from a match that had everything.

Cruz Azul will look to build on this attacking display in their next fixture, while Pumas must tighten up defensively if they are to turn narrow losses into wins. In a league where goal difference can decide playoff seeding, the three goals conceded will sting, but the spirit shown offers plenty of encouragement.