Inter Miami pulled off a thrilling 3-1 comeback against Pumas UNAM in the third round of the League Cup at Chase Stadium on August 6, 2025. With goals from Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, and Tadeo Allende, the home team overcame an early goal by Jorge Ruvalcaba Castro, securing the lead by the 70th minute of the second half. Inter Miami dominated possession with 56%, compared to Pumas’ 44%, in a match marked by intensity, clear chances, and pivotal VAR decisions. The game, still ongoing, showcases the offensive prowess of Javier Mascherano’s squad against the Mexican side led by Efrain Juarez.
The match started evenly, with both teams pushing forward, but Pumas UNAM took the lead at 34 minutes through Ruvalcaba Castro, assisted by Pedro Vite. Inter Miami responded strongly late in the first half, equalizing with De Paul after a Suárez assist. In the second half, the home side ramped up the pressure, converting a penalty through Suárez and extending the lead with Allende, who sealed the comeback in a moment of tactical dominance.
- Key moments so far:
- 34′: Pumas UNAM goal by Jorge Ruvalcaba Castro, assisted by Pedro Vite.
- 45′: Rodrigo De Paul ties it for Inter Miami, assisted by Luis Suárez.
- 59′: Luis Suárez scores from a penalty, giving Inter Miami the lead.
- 69′: Tadeo Allende scores the third goal, securing the comeback.
- 70′: Allende’s goal confirmed by VAR, keeping the score at 3-1.
The match, played in a vibrant Chase Stadium, reflects Inter Miami’s strength at home, where they remain unbeaten in six games. The game continues, with Pumas looking to fight back but struggling against Inter Miami’s solid defense and relentless attack.
Inter Miami’s tactical dominance
Inter Miami showcased tactical superiority throughout the match, particularly in the second half, when they adjusted their positioning to press Pumas UNAM. Their 56% possession highlights their midfield control, led by Sérgio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul. The home team generated 34 shots, 4 on target, compared to Pumas’ 11 shots, with 3 on goal. Coach Javier Mascherano’s 4-4-2 formation leveraged Allende’s speed and Suárez’s experience to dismantle the opposing defense.
The comeback took shape late in the first half with De Paul’s equalizer, capitalizing on a precise pass from Suárez after a well-worked move down the left. In the second half, Inter Miami’s intensity was even more evident, with Suárez converting a penalty at 59 minutes after a foul by José Caicedo Barrera. Allende, at 69 minutes, completed the turnaround with a goal reviewed by VAR, solidifying the team’s dominance.
- Factors in Inter Miami’s dominance:
- Superior possession, with 56% compared to Pumas’ 44%.
- Higher shot volume, with 34 attempts against Pumas’ 11.
- Effective conversion of key plays, like Suárez’s penalty.
- Strong defensive solidity, conceding only one clear chance.
Decisive moments in the match
The game was filled with high-stakes moments, with VAR playing a crucial role. At 35 minutes, Ruvalcaba Castro’s goal was confirmed after review, giving Pumas the early lead. However, Inter Miami responded quickly, with De Paul tying the game before halftime. The second half brought more drama, with Suárez’s penalty and Allende’s goal, both VAR-confirmed, securing the comeback.
Pumas UNAM, despite the partial defeat, showed defensive organization, with Nathanael Ananias standing out despite a yellow card. The Mexican side struggled to create clear chances after their opening goal, managing only 11 shots and lower possession.
- Game-changing plays:
- 34′: Ruvalcaba Castro scores, putting Pumas ahead.
- 45′: De Paul equalizes, assisted by Suárez.
- 56′: Penalty awarded to Inter Miami after a foul by Caicedo Barrera.
- 59′: Suárez converts the penalty, taking a 2-1 lead.
- 69′: Allende extends the lead, with the goal confirmed by VAR.
Standout individual performances
Rodrigo De Paul was a standout, scoring the equalizer and dictating the midfield tempo. His vision and precise passing were key to the comeback. Luis Suárez, with a penalty goal and an assist, proved why he remains a cornerstone of Inter Miami’s attack. Tadeo Allende, with the goal that sealed the comeback, also shone, capitalizing on created opportunities.
For Pumas, Jorge Ruvalcaba Castro was the offensive highlight, scoring their lone goal and posing a threat on the wing. Pedro Vite, with the assist for the goal, also played a key role, but Pumas struggled to keep up with Inter Miami’s pressure in the second half, finding few openings to respond.
- Top performers:
- Rodrigo De Paul: Goal and midfield leadership.
- Luis Suárez: Penalty goal and crucial assist.
- Tadeo Allende: Goal that sealed the comeback.
- Jorge Ruvalcaba Castro: Pumas’ only goal.
Offensive pressure and match stats
Inter Miami dominated the offensive stats, with 34 shots compared to Pumas UNAM’s 11. The home side also had more corners (7 vs. 4) and committed fewer fouls (7 vs. 10). While possession was relatively balanced, Inter Miami made better use of it, creating more dangerous attacks. Pumas relied on isolated plays after their early goal, struggling to maintain offensive consistency.
Pumas’ 4-2-3-1 formation, led by Efrain Juarez, prioritized defensive compactness but couldn’t withstand Inter Miami’s second-half pressure. Substitutions like Angel Rico Reyes and Pablo Monroy aimed to inject energy, but their impact was limited by the 70th minute.
Timeline of key plays
The match was shaped by a series of pivotal moments. Below are the key events up to the 70th minute:
- 34′: Jorge Ruvalcaba Castro opens the scoring for Pumas UNAM, assisted by Pedro Vite.
- 45′: Rodrigo De Paul ties it for Inter Miami, with an assist from Luis Suárez.
- 56′: Penalty awarded to Inter Miami after a foul by José Caicedo Barrera.
- 59′: Luis Suárez converts the penalty, taking a 2-1 lead.
- 69′: Tadeo Allende scores the third goal, confirmed by VAR at 70 minutes.
The match remains ongoing, with Inter Miami holding the advantage and aiming to secure the win, while Pumas fights to avoid defeat. The Chase Stadium continues to buzz, with fans rallying behind the home side in a contest that promises more excitement.
