The stage was set at Estadio Akron on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as Chivas Femenil faced off against Puebla Femenil in a crucial match of the Liga MX Femenil's Clausura 2025. With both teams having much at stake, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes could not be higher for the visiting Puebla side, who desperately needed points to escape the depths of the league table.
Chivas entered the match sitting in fifth place with 26 points, fresh off a 2-0 victory against their rivals Atlas in the Clásico Tapatío. The momentum was on their side, and they were determined to solidify their position in the playoff race. In contrast, Puebla languished at the bottom of the table, having only accumulated six points from 14 matches. Their recent win against Santos Laguna, a 2-1 triumph, had given them a glimmer of hope, but they faced a daunting challenge against a formidable Chivas squad.
The match kicked off at 5:00 PM Central Mexico time, and it was evident from the start that Chivas was eager to assert their dominance. However, Puebla's defense proved to be a tough nut to crack. For the first half, Chivas struggled to find the back of the net, with their best chance coming early on when Alicia Cervantes had a header cleared off the line by Puebla's Luisa de Alba.
As the second half commenced, the tension mounted. Chivas was finally awarded a penalty in the 51st minute when Joselyn "Choco" de la Rosa was fouled in the area. Cervantes stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home, breaking the deadlock and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
With the score now 1-0, Chivas began to assert their control over the match. Carolina Jaramillo, one of Chivas' standout players, doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a stunning strike from inside the box after receiving a well-placed cross from Viridiana Salazar. The goal showcased Jaramillo's powerful shot and her ability to find space in the attacking third.
Just when it seemed that Chivas had the match firmly in their grasp, they added a third goal in the 80th minute. Salazar, who had already contributed an assist, was fouled in the area and took the penalty herself, successfully converting it to make the score 3-0. The goal capped off a stellar performance for both Salazar and the team as a whole.
With this victory, Chivas Femenil climbed to 29 points, matching Tigres but trailing them on goal difference. They also surpassed Rayadas to claim fifth place in the Liga MX Femenil standings, putting them in a strong position as they head towards the playoffs.
On the other hand, Puebla's struggles continued, leaving them with a daunting task ahead. The team, under coach Carlos Adrián Morales, had aimed to build on their recent win but found themselves unable to overcome Chivas' formidable defense, which has now allowed only nine goals throughout the tournament, tying them with América for the best defensive record.
Despite the loss, Puebla's performance showed signs of improvement. They had managed to frustrate Chivas for over 50 minutes, a testament to their defensive organization. However, they now face a critical juncture in their season, needing to secure points in their final matches to avoid finishing with their worst-ever record, which was set in the Apertura 2024 with just nine points.
As for Chivas, they are looking forward to their next match against Pachuca on April 13, 2025, where they will aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their playoff position. Meanwhile, Puebla will host Toluca on the same day, hoping to turn their fortunes around and end the season on a high note.
In conclusion, the clash between Chivas Femenil and Puebla Femenil was a showcase of contrasting fortunes in the Liga MX Femenil. Chivas demonstrated their prowess and determination to secure a playoff spot, while Puebla must regroup and find a way to salvage their season in the matches to come.
