Pachuca Dominates Pumas UNAM 3-1 Behind Kenedy's Double at Estadio Hidalgo

Pachuca, Mexico — Pachuca delivered a tactical masterclass in a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM at Estadio Hidalgo on Thursday, with Brazilian winger Kenedy netting twice in a dominant display. The hosts deployed an effective 4-2-3-1 formation that systematically dismantled Pumas' defensive structure throughout the match, creating numerical advantages in the final third.

Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner after receiving a well-timed pass from Alán Bautista. The Ecuadorian striker's precise finish came after Pachuca had established territorial dominance through their possession-based approach, controlling 65% of the ball in the opening half-hour.

Pachuca doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Kenedy struck with a left-footed effort from outside the box to the high center of the goal, assisted by Valencia. The Brazilian's technical quality was evident as he exploited the half-spaces between Pumas' defensive lines. Pachuca's pressing intensity forced Pumas into a 38% passing accuracy in the opposition half during the first period, with Pablo Monroy receiving a yellow card in first-half stoppage time as frustration mounted.

The hosts continued their tactical superiority after the interval, with Kenedy completing his brace in the 55th minute. The winger finished with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner after Oussama Idrissi provided the assist. Pachuca's decision to substitute Kenedy for Alexéi Domínguez three minutes later demonstrated their squad depth and game management approach, while Pumas had already introduced Ángel Rico for Santiago López at halftime in an attempt to disrupt Pachuca's midfield control.

Pedro Vite scored a consolation goal for Pumas UNAM in the 65th minute with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner. José Caicedo provided the headed assist following a corner, highlighting one of the few occasions where Pumas successfully exploited Pachuca's defensive organization. Santiago Trigos received a yellow card in the 90th minute as Pumas' disciplinary issues continued.

Statistically, Pachuca dominated all key metrics, registering 17 shots with 9 on target compared to Pumas' 7 shots with just 2 on target. The hosts' tactical approach yielded 612 completed passes at 89% accuracy, while their PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action) of 7.3 demonstrated their effective pressing strategy. Pumas struggled to establish meaningful possession sequences, managing only 3 sequences of 10+ passes throughout the entire match.