Alacranes de Durango produced a commanding second-half performance to beat Atletico Morelia 3-1 in Mexico Ascenso MX at the Estadio Francisco Zarco on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Diego Ramírez struck twice and Óscar Valdés added a late third as the home side turned a tense contest into a statement victory. The result gives Durango an important three points in the promotion race and leaves Morelia reflecting on a match that slipped away after a promising first-half spell.

Match overview: Durango take control after an early exchange

Playing in an early kickoff, Durango were the quicker team to settle. Their high press forced Morelia into several rushed clearances, and the home side were rewarded in the 18th minute when Ramírez pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and finished low into the corner. The goal gave Durango confidence, but Morelia responded well and began to find space between the lines.

The equaliser arrived four minutes before half-time. Édgar Núñez collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted onto his stronger foot and curled a placed shot beyond the Durango goalkeeper. That goal changed the mood of the contest, and Morelia briefly looked the more composed side as the teams went into the break level at 1-1.

The second half, however, belonged to Durango. They restored their lead in the 63rd minute when Ramírez rose well to meet a corner and headed firmly past the Morelia goalkeeper. Morelia pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Durango managed the game well and sealed the win in the 88th minute through substitute Valdés, who finished a quick counterattack with a calm finish.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Diego Ramírez opens the scoring for Alacranes de Durango after a turnover high up the pitch.
• 41st minute: Édgar Núñez equalises for Atletico Morelia with a curling effort from outside the box.
• 63rd minute: Ramírez scores his second, a powerful header from a corner, to make it 2-1.
• 74th minute: Durango goalkeeper Iván Castañeda makes an important save to preserve the lead.
• 88th minute: Óscar Valdés finishes a counterattack to complete the 3-1 scoreline.

Tactical story: high press and second-ball dominance

Durango set up with an aggressive 4-2-3-1 shape and looked to win the ball back quickly in Morelia’s half. Their midfield pair stayed compact, allowing the attacking players to press the visiting defenders and cut off passes into central areas. That approach created the opening goal and also produced the corner from which Ramírez scored his second.

Morelia had spells of possession and looked dangerous when Núñez drifted into pockets of space, but they struggled to sustain pressure. Durango’s second-half adjustments were decisive: they dropped slightly deeper without the ball, protected the central corridor and attacked through quick transitions. Morelia’s full-backs pushed high in search of an equaliser, and that left space for Durango to exploit late in the match.

Standout players

Ramírez was the obvious match-winner, scoring twice and leading the line with energy. His movement in the box caused problems throughout, and his header from the corner showed excellent timing. Valdés made an impact from the bench, while Castañeda’s second-half save ensured Morelia never found the momentum to equalise again.

For Morelia, Núñez was their most creative outlet and his goal briefly brought them back into the contest. Their captain worked hard in midfield, but Morelia lacked the final pass in the closing stages as Durango defended their advantage with discipline.

What the result means in the Ascenso MX standings

The win strengthens Alacranes de Durango’s position in the Mexico Ascenso MX table and adds momentum to their push for a playoff place. Three points at home against a direct rival can be valuable in a division where consistency often separates the promotion contenders from the rest. Durango will now look to build on the performance, particularly their second-half control and set-piece threat.

Atletico Morelia, meanwhile, are left with a difficult result to assess. There were positive moments in possession, but the defeat highlights the need for greater defensive concentration and better decision-making in the final third. The Ascenso MX standings remain tight, and Morelia will need to respond quickly in their next fixture.

Match facts

• Full-time: Alacranes de Durango 3-1 Atletico Morelia
• Competition: Mexico Ascenso MX
• Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
• Venue: Estadio Francisco Zarco, Durango
• Goals: Ramírez 18, 63; Valdés 88; Núñez 41