Pumas Steal Match From Monterrey With Two Late Goals

Monterrey opened the scoring in their game against Pumas late in the second half but let the hosts come from behind as Pumas scored twice in the final seven minutes to walk away with a 2-1 victory.

Pablo Barrera and Ismael Iñiguez scored for Pumas in the 83rd and 85th minutes, respectively, as Pumas claimed their first home victory since Aug. 30, a 3-0 win over Queretaro.

Monterrey meanwhile failed to keep pace with their group rivals. Pachuca won on Saturday while America and Morelia were playing later Sunday.

Pumas were mostly quiet in the first half as Monterrey displayed a better brand of football. However, Monterrey could not break through either. Monterrey's best opportunity in the first half was in the 34th minute when Humberto Suazo fired a shot off Pumas' Sergio Bernal when he was alone in front of the veteran 'keeper.

In the first five minutes of the second half, Monterrey had a pair of chances but failed to put either away. Aldo De Nigris squandered his chance when he sent it right to Bernal while Osvaldo Martinez failed to put away a close-range shot as well.

In the 72nd minute, Suazo took matters into his own hands and finally put Monterrey ahead. Suazo took control of the ball outside of the box and eluded Pumas defenders before knocking a ball into an empty net.

Pumas, who had been silent for most of the game, awoke somewhat unexpectedly. Leandro Augusto sent a ball to Dante Lopez, who hit the post with his attempt. But Pablo Barrera was there and slipped the rebound into the back of the net.

Iñiguez took advantage of a mistake by Jonathon Orozco to put his team ahead. Monterrey's 'keeper came well off his line and Iñiguez was in position to bury a header into the back of the net and gave Pumas a surprising draw.

Goal.com

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