SDFC into the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup despite 1-0 defeat to Pumas UNAM

SDFC’s first-leg cushion proved to be enough, advancing to the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, even after falling 1-0 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario against Pumas UNAM in the return match on Tuesday night. 

The Chrome & Azul got off to the perfect start in their Concacaf Champions Cup debut last Tuesday at Snapdragon Stadium, scoring four straight second-half goals past Pumas to claim an overwhelming 4-1 home victory.

This second leg against Pumas will mark another historic milestone for the young club, as their trip to Estadio Olímpico Universitario served as the club's first-ever match played in Mexico. 

The first half of the second match was a goalless event, with both clubs unable to find the back of the net.

SDFC forward Amahl Pellegrino was the unluckiest man on the pitch in the first half, as he managed to strike the right post twice – in the 13 and 36 minute – being denied the opener on both occasions.  

Early into the start of the second half, Pumas converted on a set piece to get onto the scoresheet first and cut their aggregate deficit to only two goals with the away goal rules in their favour, as they left their visiting leg with an away goal last week. 

The goal came off a free-kick cross into the goal area by Pumas midfielder Pedro Vite, as the untouched swing-in pass left SDFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega misreading the trajectory of the ball, crossed him up and bounced past him for the 1-0 lead in the 47-minute.

The goal gave some life back into Pumas' comeback hopes, but SDFC were able to avoid allowing big chances and the outnumbering of attackers, making it difficult for the home side to create strong enough goal opportunities for the remainder of the second half.

It finished with a rare sighting for SDFC, as they lost the possession battle in the match, 63% to 37%, and were defeated 1-0 at full time against Pumas UNAM, despite still claiming the First Round victory with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline. 

A strong performance between the sticks for Sisniega back in his birthtown of Mexico City, even after allowing the single goal of the match, he ended his night with eight saves, keeping his squad in a comfortable position to advance into the next round of the tournament. 

Waiting for them in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup is the reigning Liga MX Apertura 2025 and back-to-back Mexican champions, Deportivo Toluca F.C.

Toluca is coming into the Round of 16 as one of the five clubs with a First Round bye, being one of the best-performing teams in the confederation. 

These two clubs will be meeting each other for the first time at Snapdragon Stadium in March, with the second leg being hosted by Toluca at Estadio Nemesio Díez in Toluca, Mexico, as the Red Devils hold a higher seed in the competition. 

As for SDFC’s next match, they will be back at Snapdragon Stadium on Feb. 21 to open up their 2026 MLS Regular Season campaign against CF Montréal, all kicking off at 7:30 p.m.