In a dominant Liga MX Clausura 2026 match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Pumas secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Santos Laguna, with standout scoring from Jordan Carrillo and key contributions throughout the attack. The match also saw Santos goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo substituted late after sustaining a significant blow to the face during play.
Pumas Take Firm Control Early
Pumas set the tone early in the game with sharp, aggressive offense. At the 12th minute, Jordan Carrillo, facing his former club Santos, found the back of the net to open the scoring and provide Pumas with early control. The goal energized the home crowd and forced Santos onto the back foot.
The attacking pressure continued for Pumas. In the 21st minute, midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla doubled the lead with a long-range effort that beat Acevedo in goal, extending the advantage and applying further pressure on the visitors.
Carrillo Double, Medina Adds Fourth
Carrillo remained a central threat and added his second goal of the night in the 31st minute, taking advantage of space in Santos’ defense and clinically finishing to make the score 3-0. His performance was a key factor in Pumas’ offensive success.
Before halftime, Alan Medina added a fourth goal, unleashing a powerful strike from distance that beat Acevedo and left Santos with a near-insurmountable deficit going into the break. That strike completed a dominant first-half performance by the hosts.
Acevedo Injury Forces Substitution
While much of the focus was on Pumas’ offensive output, the match took a concerning turn late in the second half as Santos’ starting goalkeeper, Carlos Acevedo, suffered an injury. Acevedo was struck in the face by the ball during an aerial challenge and immediately required medical attention. He remained on the pitch briefly after treatment, but soon signaled to the bench that he was unable to continue.
As a result, Santos coach Francisco Rodríguez substituted Acevedo in the 70th minute, bringing in Héctor Holguín between the posts. The decision followed assessments by team medical staff and application of the official concussion protocol, as Acevedo exhibited dizziness and discomfort after the impact.
Match and Tactical Overview
Pumas’ offensive display was notable not only for its scoreline but for the varied ways in which the goals were created. Speed in transition, intelligent positioning, and a willingness to shoot from distance forced Santos into difficult defensive scenarios.
For Santos, defensive lapses and failed attempts to contain Pumas’ early pressure proved costly. Despite occasional moments on the attack, the visitors could not convert opportunities into meaningful threats on goal.
Broader Implications
The comprehensive win improved Pumas’ confidence and standings in the Liga MX Clausura 2026, showcasing their depth and tactical sharpness on home soil. For Santos, the defeat highlighted vulnerabilities in defense and the importance of goalkeeper health and rotation. The injury to Acevedo, a national team-level shot-stopper, may impact Santos’ immediate plans depending on his recovery timeline.
Overall, the match was defined by Pumas’ effective front-line execution and the unfortunate injury that forced a late substitution, underscoring both the competitive intensity and physical demands of the Liga MX season.
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