What Happened
Panamanian midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla said the upcoming Liga MX clash between Pumas and América carries more than three points: it is about pride. Speaking ahead of the Jornada 12 fixture of the Torneo Clausura 2026, Carrasquilla told reporters the rivalry gives the match special importance for him and his teammates.
“Prefiero ganar los tres puntos porque salvamos el orgullo. Yo soy uno más que se siente identificado con los Pumas, he sufrido muchos partidos donde no sacamos el resultado positivo y veo a mis compañeros cómo sufren,” Carrasquilla said in a press conference. He added: “Si nos tenemos que jugar el orgullo y los tres puntos, aquí tienen un amigo que los va a defender a muerte.”
Social media posts circulated ahead of the game included highlights credited to Carrasquilla and collective plays by Pumas, underlining the attention around the Panamanian midfielder and the team’s recent performances.
Background
The match — scheduled for the Estadio Olímpico Universitario with kickoff at 10:00 p.m. — is set against a tight regular season. Pumas sit fifth with 20 points while América occupy seventh with 17, leaving both clubs within reach of higher table positions as the Clausura progresses.
Carrasquilla is in his third short tournament with the university club and has repeatedly emphasized his connection to the team and willingness to give his all in key fixtures. The competitive nature of Liga MX’s regular phase means results in head-to-heads like this one can have outsized effects on momentum and playoff positioning.
What This Means
For Pumas, a win would help consolidate a spot among the league’s top teams and sustain the club’s positive run in the standings. For América, three points would close the gap and potentially leapfrog rivals depending on other results.
For Panama, Carrasquilla’s statements and visibility in a high-profile Liga MX fixture highlight the role of Panamanian players abroad in shaping perceptions of Panama’s football talent. His public identification with Pumas and promise to fight for the club’s pride underscore the emotional stakes players attach to domestic rivalries even when competing outside their home country.
The match promises intensity given the rivalry, table implications, and the presence of a Panamanian international who has spoken openly about defending both points and pride.