Two clubs chasing the Clausura Liga MX title will do battle today in a playoff match between Pachuca and the Pumas of UNAM. The quarterfinal clash scheduled for 6 p.m. ET will be held at the Olimpico Universitario Stadium in Mexico City and can be live streamed free through the Univision Deportes mobile app.
The game plan for Pachuca manager Enrique Meza didn't go accordingly in the first leg. A scoreless draw would've sufficed, but after taking a one-goal lead over the Pumas of UNAM, Meza admits it all unfolded for his men (h/t to El Universal). "We didn't want them to do any damage to us, to finish the first leg scoreless," he said.
"After we took the lead, they [UNAM] had their opportunities, but I was pleased with the action. I enjoyed the tempo of the game," he added.
"There was a long period of time where Pumas had the ball and that complicated things for us, but overall I was pleased with our rhythm. Now, we have to go to Mexico City and come out with that same intensity. Pumas have great players and they're aggressive. They're great opposition, but whichever team executes their game plan best can earn the victory."
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Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Predominantly playing a 3-4-3 all season, Pachuca has recently turned to a 4-2-3-1 system that has dropped their leading goalscorer, Enner Valencia, in a withdrawn role behind the striker. That has allowed Abraham Carreno to penetrate the starting XI. The 26-year-old was able to pounce on a rebound in the first leg and he'll look to continue his spectacular run of form.
Pachuca's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Perez; Arreola, Herrera, Cortes, Pizarro; Ayovi, Villalpando; Lozano, Valencia, Damm; Carreno
UNAM's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Palacios; Velarde, Fuentes, Palacios, Rankin; Cabrera, Romagnoli; Cortes, Ludueña, Sosa; Monroy
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