Necaxa vs Atlante: Last-Minute Comeback Highlights Liga MX Apertura 2026 Opener

Necaxa snatched a last-minute victory against Atlante on July 18, 2026, turning the opening match of the Apertura 2026 Liga MX season into a nightmare for the opposition. The result signaled a brutal return to the pitch for Atlante and their manager, José “El Piojo” Herrera.

A Ruined Homecoming for “El Piojo” Herrera

It was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, Yahoo reported that Necaxa “ruined” the return of both the club and Herrera. The match, which served as the tournament’s inaugural fixture, saw Necaxa utilize a late-game surge to dismantle Atlante’s composure.

Mediotiempo described the defeat as “agonizing” for Atlante. The pain was compounded by the timing; the victory was secured in the closing moments of the game.

The Tactical Collapse in the Final Minutes

One shift changed everything. Necaxa maintained relentless pressure until the final whistle, a strategy that paid dividends in the Jornada 1 standings.

AS México tracked the goals and the result in real-time, documenting the dramatic swing of momentum that left Atlante reeling.

Setting the Tone for Apertura 2026

The Apertura 2026 officially commenced with this slate of games on July 18, 2026. Televisa confirmed the fixture was part of a wider Saturday schedule, while TV Azteca provided the detailed starting lineups leading up to the kickoff.

For Necaxa, the win provides an early advantage and immediate momentum. For José Herrera, the loss is a significant setback in his return to the sidelines.