'We’re here on our own merit - not because of Chivas' - Pumas manager Efraín Juárez discusses team making Liguilla

Pumas managed to sneak into the Clausura 2025 Liguilla in 10th place, despite losing to Tigres in the final matchday. The draw between Chivas and Atlas helped UNAM secure the last Play-In spot.

After clinching qualification, manager Efraín Juárez stated, “It was in our hands, and we’re here on our own merit - not because of Chivas, but because of us.”

"Out of 11 games, we only lost three, including both CONCACAF and Liga matches. We're still a work in progress, but we're in a good place," Juárez pointed out.

Pumas didn’t have their best tournament, and their campaign was further marred by elimination from the Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who knocked them out with a last-minute goal. In Liga MX, their form was inconsistent at best.

However, since the departure of Gustavo Lema and the arrival of Efraín Juárez, the team has shown signs of improvement. While the squad still faces clear limitations and is unlikely to be a serious title contender, Pumas are a club with a storied past, and history has shown they tend to make noise when it matters most.

"I'm good, happy. I'm where I want to be - at the club I love," said Juárez after securing a Play-In spot. "I'm in a beautiful stage, like my first stint as a coach - everyone knows how that went. Now, I'm full of energy, hope, and motivation because I see moments and stretches where my team plays exactly how I want."

The Universitarios must wait to learn their Play-In opponent, which will be either FC Juárez or Monterrey, both playing their matches this Sunday. The Bravos will host Querétaro, while the Rayados visit Club León.