The Azteca Stadium reopened its doors this Saturday after a remodeling that left it impeccable, but on the field, El Tri had to appeal to the old formula of suffering.
In a match where the European hierarchy was felt from the first minute, the Mexican National Team managed to rescue a 0-0 draw against a Portugal that, although they dominated the ball and the space, crashed time and again against a wall called José Raúl “Tala” Rangel. Here are all the details of the friendly between Mexico vs Portugal.
A nightmare first half for the defense
A Banorte Stadium to BREAK 🤩.
The anthem ceremony, prior to the Mexico vs Portugal 🇲🇽🆚🇵🇹
ATTENTION to Álvaro Fidalgo singing the Mexican National Anthem in his first headline.#MiSelecciónAzteca
🔴 LIVE: https://t.co/fChPlazqe2 pic.twitter.com/zCDjLcpuE0
– TV Azteca Deportes (@AztecaDeportes) March 29, 2026
From the opening whistle of Guatemalan Walter Lopez, the team coached by Spain’s Roberto Martinez imposed conditions. Portugal, currently fifth in the FIFA ranking, was quick to detect the cracks in the Mexican defense.
Just 12 minutes in, a defensive lapse left Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes with an advantage in the box, but “Tala” Rangel reacted with feline reflexes that thrilled the fans.
The Lusitanians felt they were the masters of someone else’s backyard.
Attacking down the flanks with a sharp Nuno Mendes, the danger was constant.
In the 26th minute, the Portuguese throats were choked when Gonçalo Ramos’ shot hit the post.
Ball possession (61% against Mexico’s poor 39%) reflected a stark reality: Javier Aguirre’s team could not find a compass in midfield.
Aguirre’s chess and the debut of the “Ant”.
How does Bruno even see this pass? pic.twitter.com/MPaJLGGg4Cz
– (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) March 29, 2026
After the break, “Vasco” moved the tree.
Looking for freshness, he sent Julián Quiñones and Carlos Rodríguez onto the pitch, in an attempt to balance the scales, which Vitinha controlled at will for the visitors.
Although the tempo increased, the chances in the penalty area became more difficult, with Mexico, at least, no longer allowing so many easy chances.
The most exciting moment came in the 78th minute, when young striker Armando “La Hormiga” González entered the field.
The home-grown player did not shy away and, just two minutes later, came close to making history with a header from Quiñones’ pass that skimmed past Rui Silva’s goal.
It was the only moment in which Mexico really made the European power hesitate.
The shadow of the scream and what is to come
The fans at the Azteca ended up shouting at the ‘Tala’, shouting “olé” and booing the Mexican National Team.
What did they expect, that they would beat Portugal?
They were tied against the European champions.
The average mexican fan thinks we are world top…pic.twitter.com/1kEzoVLpFf
– Alex Déleon (@RomeoTheCaster) March 29, 2026
Unfortunately, the night did not go well.
The frustration of a section of the crowd at the lack of goals led to the homophobic shouting.
In an already rehearsed maneuver, the authorities and the local sound system turned up the stadium’s ambient audio to dull the offense, avoiding a possible suspension of the match, but leaving a bitter note in the reopening of the Coloso.
Now, El Tri must turn the page quickly.
As part of its World Cup preparations, Mexico will travel to face a Belgium team that arrives on fire after crushing the United States 5-2.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s Portugal (who did not see action this time) will face the Americans next Tuesday.
Do you think this draw against a world power is a sign of improvement or did “Tala” Rangel give us a chance we won’t have against the Belgians?
Filed under: Mexico vs Portugal friendly
