Pumas UNAM fans were surprised to see two of their star players, Pedro Vite and Adalberto Carrasquilla, missing from the starting lineup against Mazatlán in their recent Apertura 2025 match. After a hard-fought victory, Pumas aimed for another win, but Coach Efraín Juárez's lineup raised eyebrows.
Why Were Vite and Carrasquilla Benched?
The reason behind the absence of Vite and Carrasquilla is simple: rest. Both players had a demanding schedule during the recent FIFA international break, representing Ecuador and Panama, respectively. The combination of intense national team duties and extensive travel led Juárez to make the strategic decision to give them a break.
While their absence from the starting eleven was unexpected, both players were available on the bench as potential substitutes in the second half. This suggests a tactical approach to manage their fatigue and ensure they are fresh for future games.
Impact on Pumas' Strategy
The absence of these key midfielders forced Coach Juárez to adjust his strategy. Details about the specific changes to the lineup and the players who replaced Vite and Carrasquilla were not fully detailed in the original article. The team managed to cope with the changes, but the extent of the impact on Pumas' overall performance remains a key point of interest for fans and analysts.
The match against Mazatlán served as a crucial test for Pumas, highlighting the depth of their squad and their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. The decision to rest Vite and Carrasquilla underscores the importance of player management in a demanding season.
Ultimately, the game's outcome and the performance of the replacement players would determine whether Coach Juárez's gamble paid off.