Puebla 2-1 Pumas summary: score, goals, highlights, Liga MX Apertura 2022

Pumas had the opportunity to get back on track in the Liga MX Apertura 2022 tournament on Friday, but failed to take it - and saw their playoff hopes ended as they lost to Puebla.

An early strike by Jordi Cortizo, followed by an own goal by Nicolás Freire, gave the hosts a 2-1 victory over Andrés Lillini’s men, who replied late on through Eduardo Salvio.

Cortizo chips Puebla ahead, Freire o.g. doubles lead

Puebla took control of the ball from the get-go, and quickly made their dominance count. With six minutes on the clock at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Cortizo got in behind the Puma defence and lobbed goalkeeper Julio González to make it 1-0.

After falling behind, Puma sought to wrest back the upper hand from Puebla, pushing up the field in search of an equaliser, but soon found themselves two down. Just before the half-hour mark, Maximiliano Araujo advanced into the visiting area and let fly - and in his attempts to block the shot, defender Freire succeeded only in turning the ball past González and into the net.

After the break, Puebla continued to control possession, but an improved defensive display by Pumas frustrated the home side’s attempts to add to their goal haul.

See also:

Cortizo drive reduces arrears

When the game seem destined to finish with La Franja two to the good, Pumas finally managed to close the gap. With seven minutes remaining, Salvio held off Cortizo, pushed forward into the box, and beat keeper Jesús Rodríguez with a powerfully-struck angled shot.

Puebla heading into playoffs prelim, Puma down and out

The win leaves Puebla in seventh, level with Chivas on 22 points, and with a place in the preliminary playoffs round secured. Meanwhile, Pumas remain in 16th place, and can no longer finish in the top 12.

On matchday 17, Puebla close out their regular-season campaign at home to leaders Club América, while Pumas visit Juárez.