AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — On a humid Friday night at Estadio Victoria, Necaxa edged Puebla 1-0, claiming not only three points but a rare breath of optimism in what’s been a turbulent Apertura campaign. In a contest that pitted two teams desperate to escape the Liga MX basement, Necaxa’s resolve shone brightest, hinting at a squad finally ready to shed its reputation for mediocrity.

The match’s lone goal arrived in first-half stoppage time, a moment as fortuitous as it was emblematic of Puebla’s season: Franco Moyano inadvertently redirected a low cross past his own goalkeeper, gifting Necaxa the lead at the 45+1 minute mark. While own goals rarely feature in highlight reels, this one felt decisive—Puebla never recovered, and Necaxa never looked back.

Key Moments: One Mistake Defines the Night

The contest opened with both sides playing cautiously, aware of their precarious positions—Necaxa 16th, Puebla dead last in 18th. Early exchanges were marked by half-chances and nervy defending, but Necaxa slowly asserted control, with Agustín Palavecino dictating rhythm from midfield and Kevin Rosero providing width.

Puebla, meanwhile, looked bereft of ideas in the final third. Their best spell came midway through the first half, when Diego de Buen forced Ezequiel Unsain into a smart save. Yet for all their possession, Puebla lacked the incision necessary to trouble Necaxa’s back line.

Then, in the dying moments of the half, disaster struck. Necaxa worked the ball down the left, Cristian Calderón whipped in a cross, and Moyano—under pressure—turned the ball into his own net. The stadium erupted, sensing that this was no ordinary goal, but a lifeline for a team that has spent much of the season battling adversity.

Player Performances: Necaxa’s Backbone and Puebla’s Malaise

Necaxa’s defensive unit deserves credit for the clean sheet. Alexis Peña and Agustín Oliveros marshaled the back line with authority, while Unsain commanded his area with poise. Calderón, apart from provoking the own goal, was a constant outlet for counter-attacks.

In midfield, Palavecino’s quality was evident—his passing range and composure under pressure allowed Necaxa to navigate Puebla’s pressing and keep their lead intact during a tense second half.

For Puebla, it was a night of frustration. Ricardo Marín, their lone striker, cut an isolated figure, starved of service and forced to drop deep in search of the ball. Substitutions in the 80th minute—Esteban Lozano and Carlos Baltazar coming on—failed to ignite the attack, leaving Puebla’s supporters with little hope as the final whistle approached.

Tactical Notes: Necaxa’s Pragmatism Pays Off

Necaxa’s shape was compact throughout, a 4-2-3-1 that became a 4-5-1 out of possession. Manager Eduardo Fentanes prioritized solidity over flair, trusting that a single moment could tilt the balance. The plan worked: after the own goal, Necaxa dropped deeper, absorbed pressure, and threatened on the break.

Puebla’s wide play was stifled, their crossing erratic, and their midfield largely nullified. The lack of invention was glaring—a recurring theme this season as Puebla have managed just one win in eight matches, their attack among the league’s least productive.

Implications: Necaxa’s Turning Point or Puebla’s Point of No Return?

While the win only nudges Necaxa up to 16th, the psychological lift is palpable. For a club that has flirted dangerously with irrelevance, this victory—however fortuitous—could represent a turning point. The defense looked organized, the midfield industrious, and the response to adversity encouraging.

Puebla, by contrast, appear to be running out of time and ideas. Still anchored to the bottom, their struggles in attack and vulnerability under pressure suggest that a major rethink is needed if they are to avoid a season defined by missed opportunities and fatal errors.

The Sizzling Take: Necaxa’s Night Proves Survival Is About Grit, Not Glamour

If Necaxa’s win tonight is anything to go by, the path out of the Liga MX doldrums is paved not with beautiful football but with sheer determination and a willingness to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Glamour may be in short supply, but grit—and the ability to force the issue—trumps style when survival is at stake. Puebla, meanwhile, must confront the stark reality: in this league, inertia is fatal, and right now, they are stuck firmly in reverse.

As the Apertura grinds on, Necaxa’s newfound resilience could yet spark a revival, while Puebla’s slide demands urgent intervention. On a night defined by one telling error, the message was clear: fortune favors the bold—and those who refuse to surrender to their circumstances.