Chivas Rayadas de Guadalajara will kick off their pursuit of the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 with a highly anticipated match against Cibao FC on February 6, 2025. This encounter marks Chivas' return to the tournament for the eleventh time, and they are aiming to reclaim the title they last won seven years ago.
The match is set to take place at 7 PM Central Time at the Estadio Cibao, situated in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Football fans eager to follow this exciting matchup can watch the game on Tubi, or on TUDN (Spanish) and Fox Sports (English) for viewers located in the United States.
Cibao FC, having performed admirably as runners-up in the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, poses as Chivas' first challenge of the tournament. The Dominican side aims to capitalize on their home advantage to make early momentum against one of Mexico's most storied clubs. Historically, Cibao has faced challenges against the Chivas, having previously met them in the 2018 edition of the same tournament where they suffered a 7-0 aggregate defeat.
Chivas currently finds themselves struggling at 13th place within Liga MX, coming off of one win, two draws, and two losses prior to this continental fixture. Coach Óscar García expressed optimism, stating his team approaches the Concachampions with full seriousness, likening it to league play, even as they navigate through inconsistent performances.
The anticipated starting lineup for Chivas includes goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, defenders José Castillo, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Luis Rey, and Mateo Chávez; midfielders Omar Govea, Erick Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, and Yael Padilla; alongside forwards Hugo Camberos and Javier Hernández, popularly known as Chicharito. The squad will also see the return of Alan Pulido, another key player who is eligible for the match following injuries.
Cibao FC's lineup, though less renowned, should not be underestimated. They have been preparing rigorously for this encounter, and their coach will look to leverage their recent competitive form to grab the upset against their Mexican counterparts. The excitement around this match promises to draw significant viewership, with both teams eyeing victory as they set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.
Fans and viewers alike will be eagerly keeping track of the live broadcasts, awaiting updates and anticipating the thrills of this first-round match. The stakes are high as Cibao FC seeks to establish their ground and Chivas aims for redemption on the international stage.
This match not only ignites rivalries but also showcases the passion and intensity of North American football. Football aficionados are certain to see how Cibao FC will fare against the rich history of Chivas and whether the local side can surprise the continental giants.