Liga MX

Pumas’ historic start: this is how their unbeaten Clausura run compares

Pumas are causing excitement in the Clausura 2026 with a start reminiscent of their finest in Liga MX campaigns of recent decades.

Pumas are causing excitement in the Clausura 2026 with a start reminiscent of their finest in Liga MX campaigns of recent decades.
VICTOR CRUZ

The start Pumas have put together in the Clausura 2026 isn’t an isolated statistic - it’s an important signal. Viewed through a historical lens, the moment Efraín Juárez’s team is living through takes on a different weight, revealing consistency and competitive potential.

After eight games, Los Auriazules sit second in the regular-season table with four wins and four draws, still unbeaten. Their numbers place them among the main contenders of the tournament, sharing the same record as back-to-back champion Toluca, though Pumas have produced more offensively so far.

Pumas’ historic start: this is how their unbeaten Clausura run compares
Pumas' players ahead of the Liga MX Clausura match between Pumas and Monterrey at Olimpico Universitario Stadium in Mexico City on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Victor CRUZ / AFP)VICTOR CRUZ

Historical parallel: Verano ’97

This fast start evokes memories of past tournaments. In the Verano ’97 season, Pumas went nine matches without a loss, sparking excitement and establishing a reference point for how a strong, steady opening can serve as a foundation for future success.

Clausura 2011: a start that led to a title

In the Clausura 2011, the storyline was even more significant. That championship team didn’t lose until Matchday 12, when Jaguares de Chiapas beat them 3-1. That campaign showed how a consistent opening stretch can turn into a championship platform, highlighting the importance of the early part of the season.

Pumas’ historic start: this is how their unbeaten Clausura run compares
Pumas celebrate their Clausura 2011 title win.ETZEL ESPINOSA

Guard1anes 2020: a recent comparison

More recently, in the Guard1anes 2020 tournament, Pumas remained undefeated until Matchday 11, surpassing even the streak from ’97, reinforcing the idea that strong starts tend to pay dividends.

Pumas’ historic start: this is how their unbeaten Clausura run compares
Carlos Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez, Andres Iniestra, Johan Vasquez of Pumas during the game Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul, corresponding to the second leg of the Semifinals of the 2020 Torneo Guard1anes Apertura of the Liga BBVA MX, at Olmpico Universitario Stadium, on December 06, 2020.Jose Luis Melgarejo

The current context adds another layer: recent doubts. Their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup raised questions around Efraín Juárez’s project, but the team has responded in Liga MX with balance, conviction, and competitive personality - proving they can stay strong under pressure.

Hope rises in Ciudad Universitaria

History shows that when Pumas open a season this way, they tend to make a deep run. And although the Clausura 2026 still has a long road ahead, the historical parallels and current form give fans at Ciudad Universitaria reason to believe - and this time, with solid footing.

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