Christian ‘Hobbit’ Bermúdez returned to Liga MX for the first time in 9 years during Puebla’s 1-1 draw against Atlante on September 19, 2026, in a match that marked his final season with Atlante before retirement.
The 39-year-old midfielder entered the 78th minute of the Apertura 2026 Jornada 9 clash at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, nearly scoring minutes later before his shot was saved by Puebla’s Ricardo Gutiérrez. The match, which ended in a draw, saw Walter Portales give Atlante a first-half lead and Mathías Tomás equalize in the second half.
A Nine-Year Return With a Final Chapter
Bermúdez’s appearance marked his first Liga MX start since May 6, 2017, when he played for Jaguares de Chiapas. His return came as part of a planned farewell season with Atlante, a club he joined in 2023 after a brief stint in the Liga de Expansión MX. The veteran midfielder, who previously played for América and Cruz Azul, hinted at retirement but emphasized his commitment to contributing to Atlante’s campaign.
Puebla rescata empate 1-1 ante Atlante; ‘Hobbit’ Bermúdez vuelve
Bermúdez said in an interview for Esto, according to source 3, that the Hobbit hasn’t ended… he is still competing. He added that his final season would likely be his last in professional football, though he did not specify a precise retirement timeline.
Match Highlights and Tactical Shifts
Atlante took an early lead in the 41st minute when Jhojan Julio delivered a cross to Walter Portales, who capitalized with a left-footed finish. Puebla responded in the 53rd minute through Mathías Tomás, whose strike from outside the area deflected off a defender and into the net, equalizing the score.
The match saw tactical adjustments from both sides. Puebla’s coach, Gerardo Espinoza, made three substitutions at halftime to shift the momentum, while Atlante’s Miguel Herrera opted to bring on Bermúdez in the 78th minute. The decision drew attention as it signaled a potential final chapter for the veteran midfielder.
Bermúdez’s Near-Goal and Team Implications
Atlante no logra sostener el triunfo en la reaparición
Bermúdez’s most notable moment came in the 82nd minute when he received a pass from Martín Sarrafiore and fired a powerful shot from the center of the box. The effort was saved by Gutiérrez, who pushed the ball wide. Despite the missed chance, Bermúdez’s presence on the field underscored his continued relevance to Atlante’s plans.
The draw left Puebla with 14 points and fifth place in the standings, while Atlante remained 14th with 8 units. Both teams face crucial fixtures ahead, with Atlante set to host Rayados de Monterrey in Jornada 10 and Puebla visiting Tigres. For Bermúdez, the match represented a symbolic step toward closure in his career.
What Comes Next for Bermúdez and Atlante?
Atlante’s management has not officially confirmed Bermúdez’s retirement plans, but his limited appearances this season suggest a transition toward the end of his career. The club’s focus remains on securing a Liga MX playoff spot, with Bermúdez’s role likely to be minimal as younger players take precedence.
For Bermúdez, the September 19 match may be his final appearance in a Liga MX starting XI. His career, which spanned over 15 years across multiple clubs, now enters its twilight. Whether this season marks his last or if he extends his playing days, the return to the top flight remains a defining moment in his legacy.
Hobbit Bermúdez reaparece en un partido de Liga MX
Additional Details From the Match
The match, which opened Jornada 9 of the Apertura 2026, saw Atlante initially dominate with chances created by Jhojan Julio and Martín Sarrafiore. Eugenio Pizzuto also came close to scoring in the 33rd minute with a shot that narrowly missed the top of the crossbar. Despite these efforts, Puebla’s goalkeeper Ricardo Gutiérrez made key saves to keep the score level.
Atlante’s lead was secured when Portales, unmarked, scored from Jhojan Julio’s cross in the 41st minute. Puebla equalized after halftime when Ignacio Maestro Puch fed Mathías Tomás, whose shot deflected off a defender and into the net. The referee reviewed a potential penalty for Puebla but ruled no infringement after consulting the VAR.
Bermúdez’s return to the field came as part of Atlante’s efforts to integrate veteran players ahead of their final season in the league. The club’s manager, Miguel Herrera, had previously indicated that this would be Bermúdez’s last campaign with Atlante, though the midfielder has not yet confirmed his retirement. Bermúdez, who had not played in Atlante’s return to Liga MX this season, had been active in the Leagues Cup but was limited to substitute appearances in the Apertura 2026.
Source material confirms that Bermúdez’s last Liga MX appearance prior to this match was on May 6, 2017, for Jaguares de Chiapas.