For the second time in three weeks, Pumas CU loses against a representative of the National Polytechnic Institute, first against Águilas Blancas on the opening day of ONEFA and this Saturday against Burros Blancos with a score of 23-20.
Unlike the first regular season game there at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium, when Águilas Blancas defeated the Cats 42:21, the duel between the country’s two top teams was now much closer, as the Burros Blancos won the game with Axel Gordillo’s 27-yard field goal as regulation was winding down and overtime was already looming.
It seemed like Puma’s CU would be beaten
The university students quickly took the lead on the scoreboard, with a 10-0 lead just five minutes into the game. This early dominance reminded us of coach Raúl Rivera’s days when the Pumas completely dominated those in cherry red and white. Those times seem very far away.
Halftime came and the Pumas took a 13-3 lead into the break in front of nearly 30,000 fans who arrived at the Olimpico Universitario Stadium to watch the Clásico Estudiantentil.
Great comeback from the Burros Blancos
In the second half the chip changed for both teams. The Pumas looked weak, full of mistakes and unable to take advantage of their chances, the Burros Blancos, on the other hand, were motivated and had to do it, as they entered the game with a negative score of 0:2 The Pumas’ 1:1.
The IPN team took the lead 17:13 with their impressive comeback. Pumas took the lead again with a run by Félix Barrera, increasing the lead to 20:17, but Gordillo fought back and scored the two field goals, the last one with a few seconds left, to put his team in the lead and give CU the victory .
Both teams are now placed in the 80th anniversary group with a record of 1-2. Next week, Pumas Borregos hosts Guadalajara and Burros Blancos play at home against Aztecas UDLAP
