On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the storied rivalry of Mexican football, known as the Clásico Tapatío, will cross borders as Chivas and Atlas prepare to face off in a friendly match at PayPal Park in San José, California. The game, though classified as a friendly, is expected to ignite fierce competitive spirit given the banner of rivalry it carries.
The match is set to kick off at 21:00 hours (Central Mexico time), and it’s part of a wider tour that sees Chivas engaging in two friendly games during the international break of the Liga MX. The team’s objectives are twofold: to maintain match fitness and to refine tactical approaches under head coach Gerardo Espinoza, who has emphasized the preciousness of this time for honing details in preparation for the latter part of the Clausura 2025 tournament.
Chivas traveled to California on the same day as the match, amid a backdrop of mixed fortunes in the league, where they currently sit in 10th place with 16 points after a recent 1-1 draw against FC Juárez. They are within striking distance of a playoff berth but need to convert their consistency into results as the season progresses. The friendly against Atlas serves as a vital opportunity to build momentum and strengthen team coherence.
However, the squad will be minus several key players, facing an uphill challenge with six important absences. Miguel Tapias has been sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury he sustained before the encounter against FC Juárez. Additionally, three players—Raúl Rangel, Roberto Alvarado, and Luis Romo—are with the Mexican National Team for the Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League, while Hugo Camberos and Yael Padilla are representing the U-20 squad.
“Gerardo Espinoza seeks to make the most of the FIFA break, as he has had little time to polish details since his arrival at Guadalajara,” stated the Chivas organization. Despite the setbacks, there is a silver lining for the team as goalkeeper Óscar Whalley has returned to action after overcoming an injury. The squad also features budding talents from the youth divisions, such as Ariel Castro and Gael García Bernal, who have been included in the 25-man squad for this tour.
On the other side, Atlas will also field a competitive team despite missing a few crucial players. The team comes off a 3-1 defeat against América and is presently in 13th place with only 13 points. Both teams understand the importance of this match not just for the fans, but also for maintaining their rhythm and preparing for the final stretch of the season.
The competitive ambiance surrounding a Clásico Tapatío is palpable, and fans, whether attending in person or watching remotely, are keenly anticipating this clash. The passionate nature between these two rival teams has always added an unexpected layer of intensity—friendlies often feel like anything but.
For supporters unable to attend the game live at PayPal Park, there are multiple avenues to follow the action. The match will be broadcast in Mexico on TV Azteca, following the Nations League clash, while viewers in the United States can tune in via Estrella TV and FOX Deportes.
As March 20 approaches, both Chivas and Atlas are gearing up to not only represent their clubs but also the rich history of rivalry that defines Mexican football. The emotions and narratives will surely converge in a high-stakes encounter, irrespective of its friendly designation.
In addition to the Atlas bout, Chivas will continue their tour with another friendly against Xolos de Tijuana on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, giving them further opportunity to assess their squad before returning to league play. The season ahead is paramount, and both teams hope this interlude serves as just the breather they require to jazz up their performances for the fans and secure their spots in the playoffs.
