Two penalty calls tie Pumas and América in chaotic 2-2 draw

The final stretch of the regular season became defined by officiating disputes rather than tactical execution as Pumas and América played to a 2-2 draw on Sunday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The result left the table in flux, with Cruz Azul seizing the top spot and Pumas dropping out of the immediate playoff contention.

América controlled the early phases of the first half, exploiting defensive lapses by the home side. Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring shortly after kickoff. América extended their lead before halftime, maintaining pressure on a Pumas defense that struggled to organize in its own half. The crowd at the university stadium witnessed a lopsided performance until the second half began.

Referee César Ramos Palazuelos became the central figure in the match, issuing two penalty calls that drew immediate objections from both benches. Before the penalties were awarded, a physical clash between Kevin Álvarez and César Huerta nearly escalated into a larger scuffle, requiring intervention to keep the game moving. Ramos then pointed to the spot in each box, effectively resetting the scoring balance.

Both teams converted the penalties, erasing América's two-goal advantage and forcing the final 2-2 score. Players from both sides protested the criteria used by the referee, arguing that the infractions called in the area were questionable. The outcome meant that neither team gained the full three points needed to secure their position with a round remaining.

The standings now require both clubs to win their final matches to ensure a spot in the Liguilla. América will use the week to address defensive errors that allowed the early goals. Pumas enters the final date of the regular season with questions about its consistency and frustration over the refereeing performance.

The next round of matches will conclude the regular campaign. Both teams must secure victories to avoid falling into the lower tier of the reclassification zone. The league table remains tight, with several clubs separated by minimal point differences heading into the decisive final fixture.