Former Real Madrid and PSG star Keylor Navas transforms Pumas into Liga MX’s stingiest defense with just four goals conceded in seven matches

Although Pumas currently sit outside Liga MX’s top five and would be facing the play-in round if the Apertura 2025 ended today, Navas’ impact between the posts gives the club plenty to celebrate. Since making his debut in Week 3, Pumas have the stingiest defense in the league, conceding only four goals across seven matches. The team hasn’t lost since his arrival.

Pumas’ rocky start, which saw them allow six goals in the first two games with young keeper Rodrigo Parra, now feels like a distant memory. Pumas' defensive resurgence is far ahead of their closest competitors, Cruz Azul and Tijuana, who have conceded seven goals each in the same span. Out of the seven matches Navas has started, Pumas has recorded three shutouts. Only Tigres surpasses them with four clean sheets, though they’ve played one extra game due to the postponed Week 1 fixture.

Overall, Pumas have posted three wins and four draws since Navas became their starting goalkeeper, placing them solidly in the top eight. 

Pumas' legendary goalkeeper Miguel Alejandro Palacios, known as “Pikolín,” highlighted Navas’ outstanding form in Mexico.

 “He’s a great goalkeeper, a historic one. He’s arrived at the best team in Mexico, and I hope he enjoys it. Enjoy playing for Pumas, guarding that goal, and having that connection with one of the best fanbases,” Palacios told ESPN.

Palacios made 206 league appearances for Pumas between 2003 and 2017, winning four Liga MX titles. 

The Universitarios will look to extend this positive streak when they visit FC Juárez on Tuesday in Week 10, with a key clash against América scheduled for the following Saturday.