The curtain has officially lifted on the Clausura 2026 Liga MX tournament, and what an opening act it was! On Friday, January 9, 2026, Mazatlán FC welcomed FC Juárez to Estadio El Encanto for a clash that showcased fresh managerial faces, significant squad changes, and a sense of urgency for both sides. Fans tuning in via Azteca 7, FOX, FOX One, and digital platforms were treated to a dramatic contest that set the tone for what promises to be a riveting season.
Mazatlán entered the match amid a sweeping restructuring process. After a turbulent Apertura 2025, which saw only two victories under former head coach Dante Siboldi, the club made the bold decision to part ways with Siboldi and hand the reins to Christian Ramírez. Siboldi’s tenure ended with a record of two wins, eight draws, and seven losses—a run that left the Cañoneros languishing and their fanbase craving change. Ramírez, now at the helm, faced the daunting task of steadying the ship without the benefit of marquee signings. Instead, the offseason was marked by key departures: Nicolás Benedetti, Bryan Colula, Roberto Meraz, Daniel Gutiérrez, and Anderson Duarte all exited, leaving the squad with a youthful core and plenty of questions about its competitive edge.
On the other side, FC Juárez arrived with a sense of optimism and continuity. Their previous campaign, guided by Martín Varini, culminated in a return to the Liguilla quarterfinals—a significant achievement that reignited belief among supporters. However, a new era began with the arrival of Pedro Caixinha as head coach. Caixinha, no stranger to the pressures of Liga MX, was tasked with building on Varini’s foundation and pushing the Bravos further up the table. The club’s ambition was underscored by the addition of experienced players, most notably Javier Aquino, whose leadership and dynamism on the wing were expected to add a new dimension to Juárez’s play. Ettson Ayón also joined to bolster the attack, signaling intent from the front office to challenge for a Liguilla spot right from the opening whistle.
The match itself was a showcase of contrasting philosophies and fortunes. The first half delivered all the drama fans could ask for. Juárez struck first in the 23rd minute when Francisco Nevárez found the back of the net with a right-footed shot from inside the area, expertly assisted by Madson. The early goal put the visitors ahead and set the stage for a back-and-forth battle. Mazatlán, undeterred by their recent roster upheaval, responded in the 35th minute. Facundo Almada rose to the occasion, heading home a precise cross from Iván González to level the score at 1-1. The home crowd erupted—finally, a sign of resilience from the retooled Cañoneros.
But just as Mazatlán appeared to have regained their footing, Juárez delivered a gut punch in stoppage time of the first half. In the 45’+2 minute, Denzell García capitalized on an assist from José Luis Rodríguez to fire a left-footed shot from the center of the area, restoring Juárez’s lead at 2-1. The timing couldn’t have been worse for Mazatlán, who trudged into the break with the weight of that late concession pressing on their shoulders.
The second half saw both managers dip into their benches, with substitutions prompted by tactical needs and a string of injuries. For Mazatlán, Christopher Castro replaced Jefferson Intriago at halftime, and later, Dudu Teodora came on for Castro after an injury. Ángel Saavedra and Gabriel López also entered the fray as Ramírez sought fresh legs and a spark to ignite a comeback. Juárez, meanwhile, introduced Raymundo Fulgencio and Ettson Ayón, reinforcing their midfield and attack as they looked to consolidate their advantage.
Despite Mazatlán’s efforts to claw back, Juárez’s defense held firm. The closing stages of the match were marked by a flurry of fouls, stoppages for injuries, and tactical substitutions. The fourth official signaled five minutes of added time, but Mazatlán struggled to find a breakthrough. Notable moments included a disallowed goal for offside and a series of near misses, including a right-footed shot by Jesús Hernández that skimmed just wide of the post in the 68th minute. The Cañoneros simply couldn’t convert their chances, and the Bravos’ back line, marshaled by new and returning faces alike, refused to yield.
The final whistle brought relief and celebration for Juárez, who not only secured a valuable away win but also demonstrated that their offseason moves—both on the bench and on the field—were already paying dividends. For Mazatlán, the match was a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in this new chapter. With a youthful squad and a new manager, patience will be required as the club seeks to rebuild and reestablish itself as a contender in Liga MX.
Pedro Caixinha, in his return to Liga MX, couldn’t have asked for a better start. His side played with discipline, took their chances, and showed the kind of resilience that bodes well for a long campaign. The addition of players like Javier Aquino and Ettson Ayón provided a noticeable boost, while the likes of Francisco Nevárez and Denzell García stepped up when it mattered most. According to the match report, "Denzell García scored the winning goal for Juárez at 45'+2' minute with an assist from José Luis Rodríguez." This pivotal moment not only swung the momentum but also gave Juárez a psychological edge heading into future fixtures.
For Mazatlán, the immediate focus will be on regrouping and integrating their young talents into a cohesive unit. Christian Ramírez faces the dual challenge of instilling confidence and extracting the best from a squad still feeling the aftershocks of a tumultuous offseason. The absence of high-profile reinforcements means that every point will be hard-fought, and every match an opportunity for growth.
As the opening weekend of Clausura 2026 continues, all eyes will remain on these two teams for different reasons. Juárez has signaled its intent as a serious contender, while Mazatlán embarks on a journey of redemption and renewal. The season is young, and if this first match is any indication, Liga MX fans are in for a wild ride.
The action is just getting started in the Clausura 2026, but Juárez’s hard-fought victory over Mazatlán has already set the standard. Both clubs now look ahead—one with momentum, the other with resolve—as the race for Liguilla qualification begins in earnest.
