March 18, 2025, was a pivotal day for Liga MX Femenil, marking the conclusion of Jornada 13 with two significant matches scheduled: Atlas vs. Querétaro, and Atlético de San Luis vs. Cruz Azul. These games were critical not only for the teams involved but also for fans and followers keeping an eye on playoff positions as the season approached its final stretch.
The match between Atlas and Querétaro took place at Estadio Jalisco, with kickoff set for 19:00 central time. Both teams came into this game with desperate needs for victory. Atlas, situated in thirteenth place, entered the match with just 13 points from their 12 outings, indicating a challenging season thus far. Meanwhile, Querétaro, sitting in the eighth position with 19 points, was striving to secure their place in the playoff picture, all the while fending off competition from teams like Cruz Azul and Tijuana.
Earlier in the week, Querétaro had performed well, holding onto the final playoff spot, a critical position considering the intense competition from other teams below them. Their recent form included a streak of five matches without a loss, comprising two victories and three draws. In contrast, Atlas was coming off a surprising win against Rayadas, a result that helped them recover after three consecutive losses. As the teams prepared to take the field, the stakes made the atmosphere electric.
The anticipation built as we approached the game time, and the confirmed line-ups indicated that both coaches were keen to put their strongest feet forward. For Atlas, the starting eleven included goalkeeper Daniela Solera, defenders Dirce Delgado, and María Pérez, alongside key midfielders Marcia García and Maria Salas, while the forward position was spearheaded by Alejandra Lomelí and Jaquelín García. On the other hand, Querétaro fielded Claudia Lozoya in goal, a solid defense led by Yadira Toraya, and a dangerous offense featuring Edna Santamaría and Barbrha Figueroa who were expected to exploit any weaknesses from the Atlas defense.
The match kicked off with both teams showing resolve as they vied for control. By the sixth minute, scores were still tied at 0-0, but Querétaro appeared the more dominant team initially, creating early chances that worried the Atlas defense. Nothing significant happened in the first six minutes, but both teams looked energized and eager to assert themselves in the match.
As the game progressed to the 20-minute mark, the anticipation grew with several near chances, but no goals were scored. The frustration for Atlas was palpable; they needed to find the back of the net to bolster their playoff hopes. By the 29th minute, fans were still on edge as the match remained scoreless, indicating the importance of clinical finishing as both teams fought in a gripping midfield battle.
Approaching halftime around the 40-minute mark, the scoreboard still reflected a 0-0 stalemate. Fans in the stands urged their teams on, knowing that any goal could potentially change the course of the match. Atlas had to push harder if they wanted to alter their current table position.
Looking ahead, the importance of this match extended beyond just three points; both sides aimed to climb the rankings as the competition for playoff berths intensified. A defeat for either team could drastically alter their trajectories toward the end of the season.
In another match on the same day, Atlético de San Luis faced Cruz Azul in a heated encounter with playoff aspirations on the line. This also began at 17:00 hours, broadcast on ESPN, highlighting a day filled with competitive women's soccer action.
As the dust settled on the matches, followers and analysts took stock of how these games would shape the standings and the upcoming fixtures. As games like Atlas vs. Querétaro, which ended without scoring, illustrated, the intensity and unpredictability of Liga MX Femenil made each match pivotal.
With the regular season winding down, every point would count, and the league was poised for thrilling conclusion. The results from March 18, 2025, served as critical reminders of the balance between stakes and performance in women's soccer.
