In a crucial match for their playoff hopes, Chivas Rayadas de Guadalajara edged out Puebla with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Estadio Akron on April 15, 2025. The match was tense as both teams battled not only for points but also for pride, with Chivas needing a win to keep their aspirations alive for the upcoming Play-In round of the Liga MX playoffs.
Chivas entered the match under pressure after a disappointing draw against Mazatlán, which had left them in twelfth place with 17 points, just one point shy of the tenth spot held by Pumas. With only two matches left in the regular season, the Rebaño Sagrado knew they had to secure maximum points to have any chance of climbing into the playoff positions.
The match kicked off at 19:05 local time and was broadcast live on Prime Video, attracting a sizeable crowd eager to see if Chivas could capitalize on their home advantage against a Puebla side that had already been eliminated from playoff contention, sitting at the bottom of the table with just nine points.
From the outset, Chivas looked determined to assert their dominance. The first half saw them create several opportunities, with Cade Cowell coming close to scoring early on. His powerful shot was deflected by Puebla's goalkeeper, Julio González, for a corner kick. Despite Chivas controlling possession, they struggled to break down a resilient Puebla defense.
As the game progressed, Puebla began to find their footing, with Facundo Waller attempting a long-range shot that was expertly saved by Chivas goalkeeper, García. The visitors were relentless, pushing forward but failing to convert their chances into goals.
In a pivotal moment of the first half, Chivas took the lead in the 30th minute when Erick Gutiérrez unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area, finding the back of the net to make it 1-0. The goal ignited the home crowd, who were desperate for a win to boost their team’s playoff hopes.
Following the goal, Chivas continued to press for a second, with Alan Pulido missing a golden opportunity to extend the lead when he headed the ball wide from close range. The first half ended with Chivas leading 1-0, but not without a few anxious moments as Puebla sought to equalize.
The second half saw Puebla come out with renewed vigor, attempting to mount a comeback. They made tactical substitutions, bringing on Denilson Paz and Pablo González to inject fresh energy into their attack. However, Chivas’ defense held firm, absorbing the pressure while looking for counter-attack opportunities.
As the match wore on, the tension grew palpable. Chivas made several substitutions, including bringing on the experienced Javier Hernández, who was expected to help secure the lead. Despite their efforts, Chivas struggled to create clear-cut chances, as Puebla continued to press forward, searching for that elusive equalizer.
In the dying minutes of the match, Puebla nearly found a way back into the game when Gustavo Ferrareis took a shot that narrowly missed the target. The home side was visibly under pressure but managed to hold on as the referee added five minutes of stoppage time.
Chivas' defense remained resolute, and they successfully repelled Puebla's advances, securing a vital three points in their quest for the playoffs. The final whistle confirmed the scoreline at 1-0, much to the relief of the Chivas players and fans alike.
This victory keeps Chivas’ hopes alive as they look to win their remaining matches against tough opponents in the closing stages of the regular season. With their playoff aspirations on the line, the team will need to maintain this momentum heading into their next fixture.
In contrast, Puebla, despite their elimination from playoff contention, showcased a spirited performance, proving they could compete even when the stakes were low. Their focus will now turn to finishing the season on a high note, avoiding the bottom of the table as they prepare for the next season.
As the Liga MX season approaches its climax, the race for the playoffs intensifies, and Chivas must capitalize on this win to ensure they have a chance at the postseason. With the pressure mounting, every match counts, and the Rebaño Sagrado will be looking to build on their hard-fought victory against Puebla.
In summary, the match at Estadio Akron was a testament to the competitive spirit of Liga MX, where every point matters, and teams fight tooth and nail for every goal. Chivas will need to carry this fighting spirit into their next matches as they aim for redemption in the playoffs.
