Despite falling 2-1 to Tigres on the final matchday, UNAM Pumas clinched the last Play-In spot for the Clausura 2025 Liguilla, finishing 10th on the table thanks in part to a draw between Chivas and Atlas.
Head coach Efraín Juárez made it clear that the qualification wasn’t about luck:
“It was in our hands, and we’re here on our own merit not because of Chivas, but because of us.”
It’s been a turbulent season for the Pumas, marked by inconsistent league form and a painful Champions Cup exit at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps. But under Juárez, who took over after Gustavo Lema’s departure, the team has slowly steadied.
“Out of 11 games, we only lost three, including both CONCACAF and Liga matches. We’re still a work in progress, but we’re in a good place,” said Juárez.
Though not pegged as title contenders, Pumas’ rich history shows they know how to show up when it counts. Juárez is optimistic:
“I’m good, happy. I’m where I want to be at the club I love… Now, I’m full of energy, hope, and motivation because I see moments where my team plays exactly how I want.”
The Universitarios will now wait to find out their Play-In opponent, which will be either FC Juárez or Monterrey, depending on Sunday’s results.
