Finally! Leones Negros break drought and become champions in the Expansion League

In a match filled with heartbreak and decisive moments, the Leones Negros were crowned champions of the 2025 Clausura of the Liga de Expansión , breaking a 12-year title drought. The victory came in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout against Tampico Madero at the legendary Estadio Jalisco . The victory left an indelible mark on the fans' memories, especially thanks to the superb performances of Arturo Ledesma and Jonathan Sánchez.

UdeG, without a clear direction, wasted the first half with a lackluster game and a lack of attacking acumen. The only dangerous play by the "melenudos" came in the 33rd minute when Bryan Flores managed to send the ball into the back of the net; however, the goal had to be ruled out for offside.

Jaiba Brava looked completely comfortable on the field . The game played at a pace that suited the visitors, and Marco Ruíz's team came closest to opening the scoring, but their lack of decisiveness gave the university team a second chance in the second half.

With a different face and more proactive approach up front, the university team managed to attack the Tampico goal with greater persistence. However, their attacks lacked the accuracy to overcome the solid defense of the Jaiba Brava. UdeG's most unbalanced players disappeared. Neither Jesús Ocejo, the top scorer of the season, nor Edson Torres, Carlos Fierro, or Alejandro Organista were able to show any difference.

In the 94th minute, with the tension in the stadium reaching its peak and regulation time about to expire, Arturo Ledesma appeared with a precise shot that sparked an explosion of joy among the long-haired fans. His goal not only tied the score, but also breathed new life into the match, forcing extra time and keeping the hope of glory alive.

With physical and mental fatigue, both teams struggled to decide the match before the penalty shootout , but nothing worked. Jesús Escoboza had the chance to kill it off, but, facing goalkeeper Felipe López alone, he made an incredible mistake, allowing the winning goal to slip away.

The penalty shootout was nearly perfect, with the first eight penalty takers producing extraordinary shots until goalkeeper Gerardo Ruíz arrived, firing a shot that went over the crossbar. With all the pressure on his shoulders, Jonathan Sánchez stood on the penalty spot and, with experience, sent the ball into the back of the net to end the match and give the Leones Negros the championship title.

SV