Pumas - Monterrey: Why a 2-0 triumph and Angulo’s double matter for Pumas’ Clausura 2026 momentum

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 23, 2026 2:36 AM ET

Pumas - Monterrey: Why a 2-0 triumph and Angulo’s double matter for Pumas’ Clausura 2026 momentum

The Pumas - Monterrey clash now reads as a turning point for Universidad Nacional’s first half of the Clausura 2026: a 2-0 home victory that reinforced a prolonged unbeaten string and lifted Pumas back into third place. That immediate swing in league position and confidence feeds straight into an intense fixture run for both clubs, with clear scheduling and personnel notes that change how each side approaches the next week.

Why the timing matters for Pumas’ push

Here’s the part that matters: Pumas used the victory to solidify momentum at a point when league standing and upcoming fixtures make every point valuable. The win pushed the team back to third in the table and prolonged a multi-match unbeaten sequence in the Clausura 2026. At the same time, narrow margins in the standings — with Monterrey described as close in points — make this result more than a single match win; it becomes a shifting advantage ahead of the next stretch of games.

What unfolded on the pitch (condensed details)

Pumas beat Rayados 2-0 with a double from Álvaro Angulo. The first goal came after a Rodrigo López cross finished at Angulo’s feet and beat Luis “Mochis” Cárdenas. The second arrived when Angulo converted a rebound in the area after a corner, the scoreline set when the match reached 25 minutes. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas produced at least three important interventions to keep a clean sheet and was cheered by the crowd in Ciudad Universitaria. Pumas alternated counterplay and deliberate attack, ceding some spaces that Monterrey did not exploit; Monterrey showed notable collective shortcomings, especially defending aerial balls, and failed to make use of squad depth during the game.

Lineups, player notes and match timing

The match was listed as Jornada 7 of the Clausura 2026 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday 22 February. Scheduled kickoff times in the provided context were 18: 00 (United States), 17: 00 (Mexico) and 00: 00 (Spain). Possible and referenced Pumas personnel mentioned across the coverage include Keylor Navas (starter and captain), Rodrigo López (24; can play mediocentro or interior; joined Pumas in 2023; creative presence), Nathan Silva (28; Brazilian; signed 2023 from Atlético Mineiro), Rubén Duarte (30; Spanish; arrived July 2024), Álvaro Angulo (left back; Colombian; previously with Atlético Nacional and Independiente; signed July 2025), Alan Medina (right winger; 28; joined 2025), César Garza (20; product of Rayados, spent time at Dundee FC in Scotland; loaned to Pumas in January 2026). Other Pumas names listed were Ángel Azuaje, Pedro Vite, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Jordan Carrillo, Robert Morales and Juninho.

Monterrey players referenced include Luis Cárdenas, Ricardo Chávez, Víctor Guzmán, Daniel Aceves, Luis Retes, Fidel Ambriz, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano, Iker Fimbres and Uros Durdevic.

Standings, streaks and what comes next

Details about league positioning and records appear in multiple places in the provided context: Pumas is described as third in the table and also as having 12 points. Separately, one summary lists a seven-match unbeaten run in the Clausura 2026 for Pumas consisting of four wins and three draws. Another item in the context describes Pumas’ record as three victories and the same number of defeats while still maintaining an unbeaten step — unclear in the provided context. Monterrey is described as sixth with 10 points and three victories. A historical note in the context states Monterrey has gone 11 consecutive Liga MX matches without losing to Pumas in any stadium, and that Pumas had not beaten Monterrey since Clausura 2022, when Washington Corozo scored a double; that player is now at Emelec in Ecuador.

Upcoming fixtures named in the content: Pumas will visit the border to face Xolos on Friday 27 at 21: 06 (Central Mexico time). Monterrey will return to Estadio BBVA to host Cruz Azul on Saturday 28 February at 19: 00 hours.

It’s easy to overlook, but Álvaro Angulo’s double was noted as his first with the club and is framed as important for the institution’s project, a detail that feeds into Pumas’ short-term narrative.

Short Q&A to clear quick questions

Q: Who scored and how? A: Álvaro Angulo scored both goals; one from a Rodrigo López cross and the second from a rebound after a corner at the 25-minute mark.
Q: When and where was the match? A: Jornada 7 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday 22 February, with kickoff times listed as 18: 00 (United States), 17: 00 (Mexico) and 00: 00 (Spain).
Q: What are the immediate next matches? A: Pumas travel to play Xolos Friday 27 at 21: 06 (Central Mexico time); Monterrey host Cruz Azul Saturday 28 February at 19: 00.

If you’re wondering why this keeps coming up: the combination of an extended unbeaten run, a rise to third place, and closely packed fixtures makes the result against Monterrey a meaningful input for both teams’ short-term plans. Recent context also noted that one of the match previews and roster outlines was generated with artificial intelligence and supervised by the editorial team, and that detail appears alongside the roster and scheduling notes in the provided material.