The excitement is palpable as the Liga de Expansión MX gears up for a thrilling conclusion in the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2025. The second leg of the matchup between Atlante and Atlético Morelia is set to take place at the Estadio Agustín 'Coruco' Díaz in Zacatepec on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 18:00 hours. After the first leg ended in a tense 0-0 draw, both teams find themselves in a do-or-die situation, with Morelia needing to secure a win to keep their championship hopes alive.
Atlante, known as the Potros de Hierro, enters this crucial match as the favorites, bolstered by their impressive home record. They have gone undefeated in their last seven home games, boasting six wins and a draw, with a remarkable tally of 17 goals scored and only three conceded. This formidable home advantage has set the stage for an electric atmosphere, as fans from both Zacatepec and neighboring states are expected to fill the stands.
In contrast, Atlético Morelia, also known as the Canarios, faces a daunting challenge. The team has struggled on the road, failing to secure a single victory in their last seven away matches, which includes five losses and just two draws. Coach Nacho Castro acknowledges the uphill battle, stating, "We have to play a perfect game to advance to the semifinals. We know we need to win, and that’s our only option. We’ll be brave and play smart."
In the first leg, held at the Estadio Morelos on April 23, 2025, Morelia had the better chances but failed to convert any of their opportunities, with Atlante's goalkeeper Nicolás Forastiero making crucial saves to keep the match level. The result left Morelia in a precarious position, as they must now win by any score to progress. If the match ends in a draw with any score other than 0-0, Morelia will be eliminated based on the away goals rule. A second consecutive 0-0 draw would see Atlante advance due to their superior position in the league standings.
As the teams prepare for this decisive clash, the stakes couldn't be higher. Atlante's recent form has been solid, with the team drawing their last three matches but remaining undefeated against Morelia in their last eight encounters. The Potros de Hierro have scored in 9 of their last 11 matches, showcasing their offensive capabilities, while Morelia has found the back of the net in 7 of their last 9 games, indicating that both teams can be dangerous in front of goal.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the starting lineups, with Atlante expected to field a strong squad featuring Forastiero in goal, supported by defenders Reyes, Cruz, Villanueva, and Souza. The midfield will likely include González, García, Cantú, and Ibarra, with Jiménez and Moragrega leading the attack. On the other side, Morelia will rely on goalkeeper Ramírez, with a defensive lineup of Sancho, López, Gallegos, and Vázquez. The midfield will consist of Ortega, Islas, Martínez, and Torres, while Trejo and Maleck are expected to spearhead the offensive efforts.
As fans tune in to watch the match, it will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including Fox Sports, ESPN, and Claro Sports, ensuring that supporters can follow every moment of the action live. Streaming options will also be available on Disney+, Prime Video, and Claro Sports, catering to the modern viewer's preferences.
With kickoff just hours away, the anticipation continues to build. Will Atlante leverage their home advantage to secure a spot in the semifinals, or can Atlético Morelia pull off a stunning upset to advance? One thing is for sure: this match promises to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments as both teams battle for glory in the Liga de Expansión MX.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the players are preparing to give their all in front of a passionate crowd. The atmosphere at the Estadio Coruco Díaz is expected to be electric, with fans ready to support their teams in what could be a historic night for either side.
In conclusion, the match between Atlante and Atlético Morelia is set to be a defining moment in the Clausura 2025 tournament. With so much on the line, both teams will need to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances. The stage is set, and the world of Liga de Expansión MX is watching closely.
