ZACATECAS, Mexico (Interstat) — Mineros de Zacatecas defeated Tapatio 2-1 on Sunday at Estadio Carlos Vega Villalba, using a pair of first-half goals to secure a Liga de Expansión MX victory and complete a season sweep of their opponent.

The home side struck early, with forward Mauro Pérez opening the scoring in the 13th minute. The assist came from Kevin Magaña, who was later shown a yellow card in the 37th minute. Mineros de Zacatecas doubled their lead just before halftime through substitute Vladimir Moragrega, who found the net in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. The helper on the critical goal was credited to fellow substitute Saúl Zamora, who also received a yellow card four minutes after entering the match.

Tapatio, which fell to Mineros de Zacatecas 3-2 in the previous meeting on Oct. 19, 2025, cut the deficit in the 71st minute. Midfielder Jesús Lara scored to make it a one-goal game, assisted by substitute Rodrigo Parra. The visitors could not find an equalizer despite increased pressure in the final stages.

The match grew increasingly tense as it progressed, with four yellow cards issued in the second half. Following the goalscorer Lara’s strike for Tapatio, substitute Jesús Hernández was booked in the 77th minute. Mineros de Zacatecas’s Rodrigo Parra, who had provided the assist on Lara’s goal for the opposition, received a yellow in the 86th minute.

The result defied the pregame projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw. Their ELO rating system had given Mineros de Zacatecas a 62.7 percent probability to win.

With the win, Mineros de Zacatecas improved its league record to 14 wins, 9 losses and 12 draws, solidifying its position in the upper half of the expansion league table. The team has now won three of its last four matches, including a 2-1 victory over Venados FC this past Friday.

Tapatio’s season record in the competition fell to 12 wins, 14 losses and 7 draws. The road loss halts momentum from a 2-1 win over Morelia in its previous outing on March 22. The team has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in its last five matches.

Mineros de Zacatecas will look to continue its form on the road against Atlante on Saturday, April 4. The club then returns home to host Tlaxcala on April 5.

Tapatio aims to rebound at home, beginning a stretch of three consecutive home matches at Estadio Akron on April 5 against Tlaxcala. They will also face Tlaxcala again on April 7 and Irapuato on April 11 before hitting the road.

The Liga de Expansión MX serves as Mexico’s second-tier professional football league.