Coco’s Late Show Seals Wild 3–2 Win for Pumas Over Atlanta United

By Alonso Contreras

In a thrilling international club clash, Pumas UNAM edged Atlanta United 3–2 at home in a match filled with drama, controversy, and relentless momentum swings. The game was ultimately decided by Coco Carrasquilla’s late brace, which included a 89th-minute winner that capped a fiery encounter under the Mexico City lights.

First Half – Chaos from the Start

The match exploded into life midway through the first half, with both teams trading punches in an increasingly tense contest. Pumas took the early lead in the 23rd minute through Álvaro Angulo, who coolly dispatched a penalty after Pedro Vite was fouled inside the area. The left-back’s conversion (xG 77%) beat Brad Guzan low into the corner.

Atlanta struck back quickly, though not in traditional fashion. In the 35th minute, Keylor Navas—under pressure from a whipped cross—misjudged his movement and bundled the ball into his own net, giving the MLS side a lifeline through an own goal.

The visitors built on that momentum with a brilliant team goal in the 43rd minute. Miguel Almirón, orchestrating the attack, combined with Saba Lobjanidze to feed Emmanuel Latte Lath, who clinically slotted home with his left foot (xG 84%) to put Atlanta ahead 2–1 before the break.

Second Half – Carrasquilla Takes Over

Pumas came out in the second half on the front foot, searching for an equalizer. After several close attempts, it was Carrasquilla who pulled the hosts level in the 62nd minute. Receiving a well-placed pass from Piero Quispe, the Panamanian midfielder rifled a right-footed shot into the top left corner from inside the box (xG 8%), beating Guzan for 2–2.

Atlanta responded with urgency. Jamal Thiaré, Miranchuk, and Almirón all threatened in a frantic spell, but Pumas defended bravely.

Final Moments – Red Card, Saved Penalty, and a Redemption Goal

In the closing stages, the game turned chaotic. In the 86th minute, Carrasquilla won a penalty after being brought down in the box. Stepping up for his second of the night, he was denied by Guzan in a brilliant low save, temporarily preserving the 2–2 scoreline.

But Carrasquilla wasn’t finished.

Just three minutes later, in the 89th, he pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low left-footed shot past the Atlanta keeper (xG 85%) to give Pumas a dramatic 3–2 lead.

In added time, tensions boiled over when Keylor Navas—eager to kill time or stop a counter—clattered into Jamal Thiaré outside the area, earning a straight red card. Despite being down a man, Pumas saw out the final minutes, even with Atlanta pushing forward through 13 minutes of stoppage time.

Discipline and Drama

Both teams were shown multiple yellow cards, with tempers flaring throughout. Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz received a late booking for unsportsmanlike behavior, while Navas’s dismissal stood as the game’s defining disciplinary moment.

Final Score:Pumas UNAM 3 – 2 Atlanta United FCGoals:

• 23' – Á. Angulo (Pumas, pen)

• 35' – K. Navas (Own Goal, Atlanta)

• 43' – E. Latte Lath (Atlanta)

• 62' – C. Carrasquilla (Pumas)

• 89' – C. Carrasquilla (Pumas)

Pumas’ ability to dig deep and respond under pressure sealed a morale-boosting win for the Liga MX side, while Atlanta United will rue their inability to manage the game after going ahead. With the performance of Carrasquilla shining bright, Pumas once again demonstrated their pedigree in big matches.