Puebla kick off Apertura 2026 with win
Puebla began their Apertura 2026 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Juárez FC on the road at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez. The goal came in the 11th minute, when Ignacio Maestro Puch finished clinically after a cross from Alberto Herrera to make it 0-1. Los Camoteros, who played most of the match with a man advantage, struggled to hold on, especially after Iker Moreno was sent off in the 64th minute.
Goals this season: 2 scored, 2 conceded (0 goal difference).
How Puebla controlled the game
Jorge Almirón’s side absorbed Juárez FC’s pressure, with the home side unable to convert despite nearly 30 minutes of numerical superiority. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari made key saves under pressure, while the defense - led by Daniel Álvarez - cut off passes into the box. Puebla, who have now scored twice and conceded twice in the Apertura, showed composure to manage the result until the final whistle.
Moreno’s red card hurt Juárez FC
The sending-off of Iker Moreno in the 64th minute left Juárez FC with ten men and made their comeback nearly impossible. The home side tried with aerial balls into the area, but Puebla’s backline - with Alejandro Berenguer marshalling the defense - held firm. Los Camoteros, now on three points in the standings, look like a tough opponent after Matchday 1 of the Apertura.
Next test: trip to Portland Timbers
After the win in Ciudad Juárez, Puebla face their next challenge on August 7, 2026, in a away game against Portland Timbers. The Camoteros, who sit three points behind league leaders Cruz Azul, will look to maintain their momentum in the Apertura 2026. Almirón’s side arrives with high morale but knows MLS will be a different exam from Liga MX.
