Uros Durdevic and the Clásico Tapatío: the match that changed his destiny

Serbian Atlas striker Uros Durdevic is currently the Rojinegro's offensive star. However, his start in Mexican soccer wasn't easy. His story took a decisive turn during the Clásico Tapatío of the 2024 Apertura Tournament Play-In , a match that marked a turning point in his career.

Durdevic arrived at Atlas for the 2024 Apertura, but only played eight matches, totaling 192 minutes. He also received two yellow cards and a red card for protests, which strained his relationship with then-coach Beñat San José, who practically relegated him from the first team.

"We have three forwards. The decision on 'Djuka' is my decision and nothing else. We expect more from him," San José declared at that tournament, justifying the Serbian striker's lack of playing time.

Even so, fate had a key moment in store for him. In the play-in against Chivas, Atlas was trailing when, with seven minutes left, San José decided to send Durdevic onto the field. Barely a minute later, the Serbian took advantage of a pass from Raymundo Fulgencio and, with an unorthodox finish, forced an own goal from José Castillo , tying the score and scoring his first goal in Mexican football.

The goal sparked euphoria in the forward, who didn't hide his annoyance at the bench for the lack of confidence he'd shown him throughout the tournament. His teammates had to restrain him to avoid a major clash with the coach.

Despite that flash, Durdevic finished the semester with only 10 games, 224 minutes and one goal .

With the arrival of Gonzalo Pineda on the Red and Black bench, the situation changed completely. "Now I have the full confidence of the coaching staff, and that's reflected on the field," said "Djuka" before the 2025 Clausura.

And he kept his word. In that tournament, the Serbian striker was crowned top scorer, with 12 goals and three assists in 17 matches , cementing himself as Atlas' star player and one of the revelations of Mexican soccer.

He sealed the scoring title against Chivas in the final match of the regular season, with his second consecutive goal against Rebaño Sagrado. That goal not only reaffirmed his lead, but also eliminated his arch-rival from the Play-In.

From being a discarded striker to becoming a red-and-black idol, Uros Durdevic found in the Clásico Tapatío the impetus that transformed his career in Mexico .

SV