Keylor Navas, like a fine wine

Remember Keylor 2016? At 39, the Costa Rican goalkeeper remains a difference-maker. As in his younger days. As if he were still at Levante, Real Madrid or PSG. Against Cruz Azul, in the opening chapter of the Mexican league final, Navas once again proved his timeless relevance. The best version of the Tico appeared at the defining moment for Pumas.

Navas’ recital began in the fifth minute, when he dived to his left to push away a close-range left-footed strike from Christian Ebere, who had combined with Carlos Rodríguez down the left channel of the Pumas area. It was a slight touch, but enough to send the ball out for a corner. Four minutes later came the game’s finest picture: an elegant shot from Paradela, with wicked movement in and out, forcing Navas into a spectacular flying save with his right arm. Keylor 2016, 10 years later.

The Central American goalkeeper had to work overtime in the opening minutes. His third intervention came in the 15th minute: Ebere pulled the ball back to the edge of the area, Agustín Palavecino struck it with the inside of his right foot, aiming to tuck it into Keylor’s bottom corner, but the Tico, now on the ground, stretched as far as he could to claw it away. That made it three.

Keylor’s second half

The pressure Navas endured in the first half did not return after the break. He watched an effort from “Charlie” Rodríguez strike the base of the right post and then coordinated the defensive efforts of the Auriazules, who sat in their own half as Cruz Azul enjoyed long spells of possession without creating much danger. In stoppage time, Navas threw himself in front of Willer Ditta to block any desperate attempt in the six-yard box. The game ended goalless at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City.

The Costa Rican completed a solid performance that recalled his finest moments and strengthened the historic link between Pumas and Real Madrid, from Hugo Sánchez and the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy to Míchel as coach and now Keylor Navas, for whom the years barely seem to pass. Three excellent saves, no goals conceded and a title within reach. Like a fine wine.

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