Mexico’s Apertura 2026 opens up with historic Liga MX goal
After 12 years away from the Mexican top flight, Atlante returned on Thursday - and Eugenio Pizzuto reopened the team’s Liga MX scoring account.
After a 12-year absence, Atlante officially returned to Liga MX, and the club’s comeback featured a memorable moment. Against Necaxa at Estadio Victoria, Eugenio Pizzuto scored the first goal of Los Potros de Hierro’s return, during the opening match of the Apertura 2026 tournament.
Pizzuto’s strike was far more than just another goal. It brought an end to a long wait. Atlante had not found the net in Liga MX since April 26, 2014, when the club played its final match in Mexico’s top flight before suffering relegation.
The last goal before the farewell
The team’s final goal before leaving Liga MX was scored by club legend Osvaldo “Guamerú” García in a painful 5-2 defeat to Jaguares de Chiapas at Estadio Víctor Manuel Reyna, a result that marked the end of an era.
That match remains one of the darkest chapters in club history. Atlante entered the game already relegated and playing for little more than pride. Jaguares ultimately proved too much, comfortably winning the contest.
A new beginning filled with hope
Throughout its history, Atlanta has built an impressive legacy, winning three Liga MX championships (1946-47, 1992-93, and Apertura 2007), along with two Liga Mayor titles (1931-32 and 1940-41).
In domestic cup competition, Atlante has captured three Copa MX trophies (1941-42, 1950-51, and 1951-52) and won the Campeón de Campeones title twice (1941-42 and 1951-52). On the international stage, the club also claimed two CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League crowns, in 1983 and 2008-09.
Now officially back in Liga MX, Los Potros de Hierro are embarking on a new chapter after a 12-year journey away from the top division. Pizzuto’s goal symbolizes far more than a place on the scoresheet. Although it was not enough to earn Atlante victory over Necaxa, who triumphed 2-1, his strike represents the rebirth of one of Mexican soccer’s historic clubs, as the team looks to reclaim its place among the league’s leading contenders.
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