The Liga MX Clausura 2025 continues to heat up as Mazatlán FC prepares to host Chivas Guadalajara in a crucial match that could determine both teams' playoff aspirations. Scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025, at 21:05 hours at Estadio El Encanto, this encounter is pivotal for both squads, who find themselves fighting for a spot in the Play-In round.
Chivas, under the guidance of coach Gerardo Espinoza, enters this match in dire need of a victory. The team is currently in 12th place on the league table, having accumulated just 16 points from 14 matches. This position follows a troubling streak of four games without a win, including a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Monterrey in their last outing. The pressure is mounting for the Rojiblancos, as they face a Mazatlán side that is only one spot above them, also with 16 points but ahead on goal difference.
Despite the rumors swirling about a potential change of venue for the upcoming Apertura 2025, the Chivas organization has officially denied these claims. Club president Amaury Vergara has allocated 250 million pesos for necessary improvements to the Estadio Akron, which will include upgrades to lighting, audio systems, wifi connectivity, and the playing surface, especially in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
For this crucial match, Chivas will be missing some key players. The absence of critical starters could significantly impact their performance as they look to secure vital points. Meanwhile, Mazatlán, coached by Víctor Manuel Vucetich, is also seeking redemption after suffering a 2-1 loss against San Luis. The Cañoneros currently sit in 11th place, and a win against Chivas could propel them into playoff contention.
The stakes are high for both teams as they prepare for a match that promises to be fiercely contested. The last five games have seen Chivas struggle, while Mazatlán has shown flashes of potential despite their inconsistency. Both teams have scored 15 goals in 14 matches, averaging 1.07 goals per game, but also exhibit vulnerabilities in defense, with Mazatlán conceding 18 goals and Chivas 19.
The expected lineups for the match are as follows:
Mazatlán FC: Hugo González, Salvador Rodríguez, Samir Caetano, Luis Merolla, Facundo Almada, Bryan Colula, Said Godínez, Alan Torres, Jordán Sierra, Nicolás Benedetti, and Luis Amarilla.
Chivas Guadalajara: Raúl Rangel, Mateo Chávez, Raúl Martínez, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Miguel Gómez, Fernando Beltrán, Erick Gutiérrez, Cade Cowell, Víctor Guzmán, Roberto Alvarado, and Alán Pulido.
As the match approaches, analysts are predicting a tightly contested affair. Given the urgency for both teams, it is likely that the game will be open, with both sides aiming to capitalize on defensive errors. The odds reflect this sentiment, with betting lines suggesting strong possibilities for both teams to score, as well as a high likelihood of over 2.5 goals in the match.
Fans can catch the action live on TV Azteca in Mexico or TUDN in the United States. This match not only represents a chance for both clubs to improve their standings but also serves as a litmus test for their respective seasons. With both teams so closely matched in performance and desperation, the outcome could swing either way.
In summary, the Mazatlán vs. Chivas matchup is more than just a game; it’s a battle for survival in the Liga MX Clausura 2025. With both teams needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, expect a thrilling encounter filled with intensity and drama.
