GUADALAJARA, JAL. – In a match where tactics gave way to intensity and physical play, Puerto Vallarta F.C. secured two vital points in their visit to Deportivo San Rafael. The match, corresponding to Matchday 16 of Group 1 in the Liga TDP, ended in a scoreless draw in regulation time, but was decided in favor of the Vallarta side in the penalty shootout.
A contest marked by friction
From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither team would give an inch. The game was rough and physical, with few clear chances in either penalty area and plenty of activity for the referees.
The Puerto Vallarta squad was the first to receive a yellow card; Gabriel Santiago was cautioned in the 33rd minute after a tactical foul. Just after the start of the second half, in the 47th minute, Marco Garduño also received a yellow card, reflecting the pressure the visitors were under.
Dramatic finish and a flurry of cards
Gambeta FC didn’t hold back in the intensity. Diego Sigala (57′) and Miguel Ángel Navarrete (77′) were booked for the home side. As the clock ticked down to the final whistle, tempers flared:
87th minute: Sergio Rivera (Gambeta FC) is booked.
90th minute: The match reached its climax when Miguel Ángel Navarrete, who already had a yellow card, was shown a straight red, leaving the home side with ten men in the dying moments.
90+5 minute: Rayhan Iñiguez completed the list of booked players for Gambeta in a frantic finish.
The extra point goes to Vallarta
Despite having a numerical advantage in the final moments, the score remained 0-0. Following the league rules, the tie forced a penalty shootout to determine the extra point.
In the shootout, the Puerto Vallarta F.C. penalty takers proved more composed, winning 4-3 to secure a much-needed extra point after the physical exertion endured in Guadalajara.