Pachuca Femenil Secures Third Place at the Women’s Cup with Victory Over São Paulo

🥉 International Bronze for Las Tuzas

Brazil, July 25, 2025 — Las Tuzas from Pachuca closed out their participation in the 2025 Women’s Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over São Paulo FC, securing third place in the international tournament. A late goal from Nayeli Díaz sealed the win for the team from Hidalgo, which maintained control through much of the match played on Brazilian soil.

⚔️ Pachuca in Control from the Start

Unlike what happened last Sunday against Palmeiras, Las Tuzas took control of the ball from the very start, with a clear objective: to pin the Brazilian side back into their own half.

Coach Óscar “Rambo” Torres’ squad found a way to keep São Paulo’s attack in check, limiting their options in the final third. Team captain Karla Nieto tried her luck in the 30th minute with a long-range strike that flew just over the crossbar.

Moments later, São Paulo attacked down the left flank and earned a corner kick after a timely defensive slide. From that set piece, a header narrowly missed the Pachuca goal.

At the 35-minute mark, another mid-range effort from Pachuca didn’t trouble the keeper, and just minutes later, Duda Serrana (wearing #88) unleashed a powerful right-footed shot following a mistake in Pachuca’s build-up, but her effort sailed over the bar.

Pachuca goalkeeper Esthefany Barreras was increasingly called into action, facing a free kick, a long-distance shot, and another effort from close range. The Mexican national team goalkeeper rose to the challenge, keeping her net untouched.

After 47 minutes of action, the teams went into halftime scoreless — with Pachuca losing some momentum late in the half, while São Paulo finished stronger with more frequent attacks.

🔁 Key Substitutions and a Dramatic Finish

At the break, Coach Torres made a strategic change, subbing off Jocelyn Orejel and bringing on Ella Sánchez to freshen up the midfield. The second half maintained a similar tempo, with both sides trying to break the deadlock but lacking finishing accuracy.

Pachuca’s best chance up to that point came in the 66th minute: a free kick from the left found Charlyn Corral, whose flick was met by a defensive header that hit the crossbar. In the scramble, Ella Sánchez attempted to push the ball in, but it was deflected by a defender, landing at the feet of Myra Delgadillo, who also couldn’t convert the chance.

São Paulo responded with aerial attacks, and in the 73rd minute, nearly scored after a dangerous run down the right flank and a cross before the end line — but no one was there to finish.

⚽ Golden Goal for the Bronze Medal

Just when it seemed the match was heading to penalties, Nayeli Díaz struck in the final minutes, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to net the decisive goal. Her strike gave Pachuca the 1-0 win and clinched the bronze medal, capping off an impressive showing on the international stage.