Julián Carranza salvaged a point for Club Necaxa with a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The Argentine striker capitalized on an assist from substitute Miguel Rodríguez to level the score after Luciano Herrera had put the hosts ahead, according to match data from ESPN.
The match, corresponding to matchday six of the Liga MX Apertura 2026, leaves Necaxa with seven points from two wins, one draw, and two losses. The Rayos remain in the playoff positions in the standings, just one point behind their opponents from this fixture.
Pumas UNAM controlled large stretches of the first half and created more danger, but Necaxa goalkeeper Luis Jiménez was key to keeping the score level. Necaxa's keeper made four saves, including a strong stop from a Uriel Antuna effort. The visitors struggled to create clear chances, managing only one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half followed a similar pattern until Herrera broke the deadlock for Pumas in the 88th minute from a right-wing cross. Necaxa's response was immediate. Just two minutes later, substitute Miguel Rodríguez found Carranza inside the box with a through ball. The striker finished powerfully past Keylor Navas to secure the draw.
The data compiled by ESPN reflects an even match in possession but one where Pumas was more offensive. The home team generated an xG (expected goals) of 1.46 compared to Necaxa's 1.20. Carranza was the visitors' most dangerous player, with an individual xG of 0.55 and two of the team's total four shots on target.
| Player | Position | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julián Carranza | Forward | 90 | 1 | 0 |
| Luis Jiménez | Goalkeeper | 90 | 0 | 0 |
| Kaiky Naves | Defender | 90 | 0 | 0 |
| Daniel Leyva | Midfielder | 88 | 0 | 0 |
The table shows the starters who played nearly the full match, with Jiménez being key between the posts. The team's next fixture is on our fixtures schedule.
Undoubtedly, Julián Carranza. The 25-year-old forward not only scored the equalizing goal but also won nine offensive duels, the highest tally on his team. His partnership with Ricardo Monreal up front was the main source of danger for a Pumas defense that had to work hard to contain them.
Further back, the work of Daniel Leyva in midfield was notable. The 23-year-old Mexican midfielder touched the ball 88 times, more than any other Necaxa player, and completed 87% of his passes according to the technical report. His ball recoveries were vital in stopping local counter-attacks.
The draw allows Necaxa to pick up a point on the road against a direct rival for playoff spots. With seven points, the team sits in the middle of the overall table, keeping its options intact for the regular phase. The manager will need to analyze the defensive performance, as the team has conceded at least one goal in each of its five season matches so far.
The next opportunity to get three points comes this weekend when Necaxa hosts another tough opponent at the Estadio Victoria. The team will look to improve its home record, which currently stands at one win and one loss. For the likely lineup, check our squad section. Julián Carranza, with his second goal of the season, will again be the primary attacking reference.
