New coach of Pumas UNAM, Efraín Juárez, had a successful debut by defeating Alajuelense from Costa Rica 2-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Round of 16 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The capital team took the initiative from the start, although they initially faced difficulties in attack.
In the first half, Robert Ergas managed to open the scoring with a low shot after a pass from Alfonso Monrroy. In the second half, with strategic substitutions, Guillermo Martínez had clear goal opportunities but was frustrated by the rival goalkeeper. However, Rogelio Funes Mori increased the lead with a powerful header from a free kick by Adalberto Carrasquilla.
Funes Mori ended a streak of more than six months without scoring with this goal, breaking the curse of four consecutive defeats that the team had previously suffered. Thanks to this victory, the Pumas will have an advantage in the return match to be held on March 13. With this result, the team can afford to lose by one goal or even two, as long as they score away at Alajuelense due to the away goals rule.
