Pumas UNAM U19 (w) vs Queretaro U19 (w) on 7 February
The stage is set for an intriguing clash in the Women’s U19 Liga MX as Pumas UNAM U19 (w) hosts Querétaro U19 (w) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México on 7th February. Both teams are brimming with youthful talent and a deep hunger for victory, making this match a crucial one in their respective campaigns. With just a few points separating them in the standings, the stakes couldn't be higher. For Pumas, a win could solidify their push towards the top spots, while Querétaro looks to bounce back from recent setbacks. The young players will be keen to showcase their tactical acumen, physical prowess, and technical skills in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s delve into the tactical nuances, key players, and historical context that will shape this matchup.
Pumas UNAM U19 (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Pumas UNAM U19 (w) have shown consistent form this season, with a solid tactical setup that relies on a high pressing game and rapid transitions. They typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where the wingers play a vital role in both attacking and defensive phases. The midfield is well-balanced, with a central playmaker dictating tempo, while the full-backs push high up the pitch to create width. Pumas’ defensive solidity is complemented by quick, direct counters aimed at exploiting space on the flanks. This approach is reflected in their impressive xG (expected goals) rate of 1.8 per game, which is among the highest in the league.
In their last five matches, Pumas have won 3 and drawn 2, with a particularly commanding performance in their 2-0 victory over Tigres U19 (w), where they dominated possession (58%) and created a significant number of chances (16 shots, 5 on target). The team’s possession in the final third stands at 43%, demonstrating their focus on high-intensity football and offensive presence.
Key players include their captain and creative force, midfielder Valeria Martínez, who has contributed significantly to their attack with 4 assists and a goal in the last 5 matches. Additionally, striker Carla Rodríguez will be crucial, as she has netted 6 goals this season, showing sharp positioning in the box and finishing prowess. However, Pumas will miss their starting right-back, Renata García, who is sidelined with a minor injury. Her absence may force a tactical adjustment, possibly shifting the attack to the left flank, where Laura Ramos has shown great form.
Queretaro U19 (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Querétaro U19 (w) come into this match with a slightly more conservative approach, often deploying a 4-4-2 formation that is compact in defense but quick on the break. Their primary tactic is to absorb pressure from the opposition and exploit the pace of their wingers in transition. The midfield duo plays a pivotal role in breaking up the opposition's play, often initiating quick counter-attacks that focus on the wide areas. While not as prolific as Pumas, Querétaro has managed to maintain a solid defensive record with an average of just 1.1 goals conceded per game.
In the last five games, Querétaro has been on a roller-coaster ride with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Their most recent match, a narrow 1-0 defeat to América U19 (w), highlighted their vulnerability in tight games where they struggled to hold possession (46%) and create clear-cut opportunities (9 shots, 2 on target). Nevertheless, their defensive unit, led by goalkeeper Andrea Hernández, has kept them in games. Querétaro’s ability to withstand pressure will be tested against a potent Pumas attack.
The key players for Querétaro are winger Brenda Ruiz and forward Daniela Sánchez, both of whom are dangerous in transition, regularly using their speed to get behind defenses. Ruiz has 3 assists in the last 5 games, while Sánchez has 5 goals, a crucial presence in the box. Defensively, captain Carla Cortés provides stability in the center-back position, but her form will be under scrutiny as she faces off against Pumas' quick wingers. Querétaro will also be without their influential midfielder, Mariana López, who is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. Her absence will leave a gap in midfield that will likely require a tactical shift.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Historically, Pumas UNAM U19 (w) have dominated this fixture, winning 4 out of the last 5 encounters between the two sides. However, each match has been closely contested, with Querétaro often proving difficult to break down. The last meeting in September 2025 saw Pumas edge out a 1-0 win, with a second-half goal proving the difference after a tense first 45 minutes. In all of their encounters, the matches have tended to be tight, with an average of just 2.2 goals per game, reflecting the balanced nature of their tactical approaches.
Querétaro’s last victory over Pumas came in March 2025, a dramatic 3-2 win in which they overturned a 1-0 deficit, demonstrating their resilience and ability to fight back in the face of adversity. Pumas will undoubtedly look to avenge that loss, but with Querétaro’s defensive capabilities and counter-attacking style, this could prove to be a tricky encounter for the hosts.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The outcome of this match could hinge on a few key individual battles across the pitch. One crucial duel will be between Pumas’ left-back Laura Ramos and Querétaro’s right-winger Brenda Ruiz. Ramos will need to balance her attacking runs with defensive responsibility, as Ruiz is a potent threat on the counter and a dangerous crosser of the ball. Pumas’ full-backs are key to their offensive game, and if they get caught out of position, Querétaro will exploit the space behind them.
In midfield, Pumas’ Valeria Martínez will have a significant role to play. As the engine of her side’s offense, she will be tasked with dictating play and unlocking Querétaro’s defense. However, with Mariana López missing for Querétaro, Martínez will face an unfamiliar challenge against the more defensive-minded pair of Fernanda González and Renata Pérez, who will look to limit her influence and disrupt Pumas’ fluid build-up play.
Finally, the battle in the final third will be intriguing. Pumas’ striker Carla Rodríguez, a clinical finisher, will be up against Querétaro’s central defensive pairing of Carla Cortés and Alejandra Díaz. Rodríguez’s movement off the ball and ability to find space will be key, but Cortés’ physicality and aerial strength will pose a tough challenge for the Pumas striker.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match will likely be characterized by a high tempo, with Pumas looking to dominate possession and press aggressively high up the pitch. Querétaro, on the other hand, will sit back and look to absorb the pressure, focusing on quick counters through their wingers. Pumas will aim to stretch Querétaro’s defense, using width and rapid transitions to break down the defensive block. Querétaro’s best chance of success will come from set-pieces or exploiting the space left behind by Pumas’ attacking full-backs.
Given the form of both teams, Pumas should have the edge. Their offensive firepower and tactical superiority in terms of pressing and possession make them favorites. A 2-1 victory for Pumas seems the most likely outcome, with both teams creating plenty of chances but Pumas ultimately edging out Querétaro’s defense.
In terms of statistics, expect Pumas to register a higher xG, with their pressing and attacking width leading to more attempts on goal. Querétaro’s low possession stats (around 42% in their last 5 games) indicate they will be happy to concede possession but will need to be clinical in their attacking transitions to capitalize on Pumas’ vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming clash between Pumas UNAM U19 (w) and Querétaro U19 (w) is set to be a fascinating tactical battle. Pumas’ dynamic attacking play and high pressing game will be put to the test by Querétaro’s disciplined defensive setup and counter-attacking strategy. The match will come down to whether Pumas can break down Querétaro’s resilience, or if the visitors can capitalize on the spaces left behind in Pumas’ aggressive approach. Ultimately, Pumas’ superior attacking quality and their solid form should see them through, but this is a match that could go either way depending on individual moments of brilliance.
Which side will prove stronger in the key duels across the pitch? Can Pumas extend their dominance, or will Querétaro spring an upset? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an enthralling encounter.
