Opposition Report: Pumas UNAM – Gamper Cup Rival

Barca’s next game will be against the Mexican side in the Joan Gamper trophy. Club Universidad Nacional, A.C., commonly referred to as UNAM(also simply known as Pumas), is a professional football club based in Ciudad Universitaria of Mexico City, Mexico. The club plays in the Liga MX, the top flight division of Mexico. It was founded in 1954 and their home games are played at Estadio Olimpico Universitario. The stadium has a capacity of 72,000.

Domestically, the club has won 11 trophies: 7 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX, 2 Campeon de Campeones and 1 Segunda Division de Mexico. The club has also won 3 CONCANCAF Champion Cups and 1 Copa Interamericana. Furthermore, the club has a intense rivalry with Club America in the ‘derbi capitalino’. Pumas is one of the most popular clubs in Mexico.

Los Pumas

The nickname was inspired by Roberto ‘Tapatio’ Mendez. He coached the team from 1946 to 1964. During this time he gave several motivational speeches that compared his players with pumas. The nickname has since then stayed with the public.

Tactical Set-up

Pumas are coached by Argentinian Andres Lillini. He took over as head coach in 2020. His preferred formation is a 4-4-2 while using a double pivot to anchor his midfield. In the past few games he has been trying a 4-3-3 with our own Barca legend Dani Alves taking a spot in the midfield. His use of 2 centre-forwards is geared towards making sure the opposition centre-backs are constantly occupied.

Pumas have played 6 games in the current season, winning 1 and drawing 5. They are currently undefeated in the domestic league. Their previous game ended in a 1-1 draw with Monterrey. Pumas have scored 6 goals and conceded 7 uptil now. While they are undefeated, the club is struggling to pick up wins and is currently 9th in the league table.

This will be a homecoming for the GOAT RB Dani Alves. He will get a much deserved farewell from the home crowd after two stints with Barca.

This will be a fun game as Pumas will look to cause an upset. The Gamper trophy is an opportunity to let the youngsters play in front of the home crowd.

We look forward to a great game and maybe even a first goal for Lewy.

Visca el Barca!