Atlas FC celebrated their first victory of the Clausura 2025 season, defeating Club Puebla 3-2 at the Estadio Jalisco on Saturday, February 15. The match not only marked the long-awaited triumph for the Rojinegros but also highlighted the struggles of both teams as they faced off near the bottom of the Liga MX standings.
The encounter was filled with tension as both clubs entered the match desperate for points. Atlas, managed by Gonzalo Pineda, had recorded only four points from their first six games and was still seeking their first win of the season. Meanwhile, Puebla, under the guidance of Pablo Guede, sat just one point above Atlas. With both teams aware of the stakes, the match promised to be competitive.
The teams fielded their strongest line-ups, with Atlas deploying a 3-6-1 formation featuring star forward Uros Djurdjevic. The match kicked off at 5 PM local time, and fans filled the stands, hoping to witness their team's first win of the season.
The scoring began early when Efraín Orona gave Puebla the lead at the 32-minute mark. After receiving a well-placed corner from Raúl Castillo, Orona executed a powerful header, placing Puebla up 1-0. This goal stoked the urgency within Atlas to respond quickly.
Atlas leveled the score just before halftime. A foul inside the penalty box led to Uros Djurdjevic stepping up to convert the penalty kick with precision at the 44-minute mark, sending the teams to the break tied 1-1.
Returning from halftime with renewed vigor, both clubs traded chances as the pace of the match intensified. Atlas struck again just two minutes after the restart when Diego González displayed excellent timing and presence to score at the 47-minute mark, giving the Rojinegros a 2-1 lead.
Not wanting to relinquish their momentum, Atlas kept pressing on the offensive. Djurdjevic, who had already made his mark on the game, clinched his second goal of the match and put Atlas up 3-1 just six minutes later, showcasing his predatory instincts and leading to roaring support from the home crowd.
Despite the mounting deficit, Puebla refused to back down. They pulled one back through Ricardo Marín, who finished with composure at minute 50, making it 3-2 and reigniting hopes of rectifying the scoreline.
With the clock winding down, both teams had opportunities to add to the score. Atlas, feeling the pressure of maintaining their slim lead, managed to defend resolutely against Puebla’s late offensive push.
Overall, Uros Djurdjevic emerged as the star of the match, not only for his two goals but also for his constant threat to the Puebla defense. "Los Zorros buscan su primera victoria del Clausura 2025 y ante la Franja es una buena oportunidad," said one source reflecting on the match before it took place.
Following this victory, Atlas moved from the bottom of the table to 12th place, claiming seven points, whereas Puebla remained close behind, sitting at 15th with five points. The victory was not just significant for the standings, but also for restoring spirits within the Atlas camp.
Looking to build on this momentum, Atlas will next face Santos Laguna away, whereas Puebla will regroup and prepare to host Tijuana. Both teams understand how much is on the line as the season progresses, with every point becoming increasingly valuable.
The match concluded with referee Luis Santander putting the final whistle on what was undoubtedly a thrilling encounter, leaving fans hopeful for more performances like this from their teams as the Clausura continues.