On the Opening Day of the 2024 Apertura of the Liga MX, Puebla hosted Santos at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium. The match was unspectacular and challenging, but the home team emerged victorious with a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty in injury time. This victory secured the first three points of the competition for Puebla.
The first half lacked excitement, with few scoring opportunities in either box. Both teams took minimal risks, likely due to the early stage of the season and the fact that it was Matchday 1.
One of the few chances in the first 45 minutes involved a long-range shot by Ramiro Sordo, which was blocked by the Santos defense.
The only notable opportunity came in the 42nd minute when Diego de Buen headed the ball toward Facundo Waller at the far post, but goalkeeper Héctor Holguín made a crucial save.
In the second half, a great chance arose for Santos. Emmanuel Echeverria, positioned outside the box, unleashed a left-footed shot that forced Jesús Rodríguez to make a save with his fingertips.
Bryan Angulo presented a threat in the 67th minute following a combination with Alberto Herrera, but his shot sailed over the goal.
Ambriz sought to change the game by introducing Jordan Carrillo, Franco Fagundez, and José Juan Macías, key figures in their offensive strategy.
Towards the end of the match, in the 89th minute, a contentious situation unfolded. Alan Cervantes attempted to clear a cross into the box with his head, but the ball appeared to strike his hand, prompting a VAR review.
Following the review, referee Jorge Abraham Camacho awarded a penalty in the 94th minute. Lucas Cavallini stepped up to take the penalty and executed a Panenka shot, securing the winning goal for Puebla.
On Matchday 2, Puebla will travel to Necaxa on Saturday, July 13, at 5:00 PM at the Estadio Victoria. Meanwhile, Santos will host Pumas on the same day at 7:00 PM at the Territorio Santos Modelo.
Puebla Edges Santos in Thrilling Apertura Opener
The 2024 Liga MX Apertura kicked off with a tense encounter at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium as Puebla triumphed over Santos Laguna in a closely fought 1-0 victory. The match, while lacking in spectacular moments, was a testament to the competitive spirit of both sides, with Puebla emerging victorious thanks to a late penalty kick.
A Tight First Half
The first half was a tactical affair, with both teams wary of taking unnecessary risks. The opening stages saw few clear-cut chances, as Puebla and Santos cautiously probed each other’s defenses. While the lack of goals might have disappointed some, it reflected the early-season jitters and the need for both teams to find their rhythm following the preseason break.
A long-range shot by Ramiro Sordo, which was well-handled by the Santos defense, was arguably the most notable opportunity in the first 45 minutes. Another moment of interest arrived in the 42nd minute, when Diego de Buen’s header towards the far post was expertly saved by goalkeeper Hector Holguin.
Santos’ Fightback and Puebla’s Resolve
The second half brought a slightly more open style of play, with Santos showing greater urgency to find an equalizer. Emmanuel Echeverria’s fierce left-footed shot forced Jesús Rodríguez into a stunning fingertip save, highlighting the growing threat posed by the Guerreros. Bryan Angulo, introduced in the 67th minute, also came close to scoring, but his effort from a tight angle sailed over the crossbar.
Puebla coach Nicolas Larcamón responded by introducing attacking reinforcements such as Jordan Carrillo, Franco Fagundez, and Jose Juan Macias. These changes aimed to solidify the team’s defensive structure and capitalize on any potential counter-attacking opportunities.
Late Drama and a Penalty Decision
The final minutes saw the tension rise considerably as both teams fought tooth and nail for control of the match. In the 89th minute, a controversial incident unfolded when Alan Cervantes attempted to clear a cross with his head, but the ball appeared to strike his hand. The referee, Jorge Abraham Camacho, initially waved play on, but a VAR review led to the awarding of a penalty to Puebla in the 94th minute.
Lucas Cavallini, entrusted with the crucial penalty kick, opted for a Panenka style penalty, confidently sending the ball past the diving Santos goalkeeper. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Puebla fans, while Santos players and staff were left with a bitter taste of defeat.
Looking Ahead
Puebla will now focus their attention on their upcoming fixture once morest Necaxa, scheduled for Saturday, July 13th at the Estadio Victoria. On the same day, Santos will host Pumas at the Territorio Santos Modelo. These matches will offer both teams the chance to build upon their opening day performances and make their mark on the Apertura campaign.
