Atlas FC draws 1-1 with Atlante amid controversy

Atlas FC drew 1-1 against Atlante in a Jornada 7 match of the Apertura 2026. Luis Esteves opened the scoring for Atlas with an early goal in the 7th minute. Although Atlas goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saved a penalty in the 35th minute, Martín Searrafiore equalized for Atlante in the 48th minute.

The match was marked by controversy, as Atlas players contested a potential penalty for a handball involving Jesús Serrat that the referee did not review before ending the game. This result marks Atlas's second consecutive home game without a win against lower-ranked opponents.

Following the match, Atlas manager Hernán Crespo expressed his views on the development of Mexican football. He suggested that Mexican clubs should return to CONMEBOL competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, to increase international competitiveness and move beyond a purely economic focus.