MEXICO CITY (March 14, 2026) (Interstat) — Substitutes fueled a 2-2 draw between Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul in the Liga MX season opener for both clubs Saturday at Estadio Olímpico de Universitario.

Cruz Azul’s Nicolás Ibáñez opened the scoring in the 35th minute before Pumas’ Charly Rodríguez equalized seven minutes later. Willer Ditta, another Cruz Azul substitute, scored in the 77th minute to seemingly secure the win for the visitors, who entered with a 67.5% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system.

Pumas salvaged the draw with a late goal from forward Juninho. The match was contentious, featuring six yellow cards. Cruz Azul played a man down after defender Nathan Silva received a red card in the 68th minute. The result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 final. Both clubs begin the campaign with identical records across all competitions.