A highly anticipated match of the CONCACAF Champions Cup is set to take place on February 12, 2025, between Chivas Guadalajara and Cibao FC. This match, hosted at Estadio Akron, marks the second leg of the first-round elimination and arrives after Chivas managed to earn a narrow victory against Xolos de Tijuana recently.
Entering this encounter with some momentum, Chivas will aim to reverse their earlier draw against Cibao, which ended 1-1. Coach Óscar García's squad is built around key players like Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, who is eager to shine after struggling to find the back of the net since April 2024.
The Chivas are currently placed tenth in Liga MX and will look to capitalize on home-field advantage to secure their spot in the next stage of the tournament. Facing Cibao, who have not returned to action since the previous encounter, presents Chivas with the perfect opportunity to claim victory. Cibao FC, known as 'La Bestia Naranja,' is still finding their footing early this year, making them susceptible to challenges from the Mexican side.
The teams have released their probable lineups for the game. Chivas' lineup includes Rangel; Mozo, Sepúlveda, Rey, Chávez; González, Beltrán, Romo; Padilla, Cowell, and Hernández. Meanwhile, Cibao’s lineup boasts Lloyd; Trinidad, Murillo, Mancilla, Jiménez; López, Alarcón, Omar de la Cruz, López, Vega; and Correa.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM Central Time, and the match can be watched live on TubiTV or followed via minute-to-minute updates on Mediotiempo. Fans are already abuzz with excitement, rallying behind their team on social media, urging Chivas to secure their advancement.
Chivas' players are well aware of the stakes at play. Hernández, who finally broke his goal drought against Cibao, expressed determination to maintain his momentum. The forward’s constituents, who once critiqued his efforts, have begun to cheer his resurgence. During the match against Cibao, Hernández scored with assistance from Yael Padilla, showcasing the synergy between the two. Having not scored since April 2024, the relief and joy of his recent goal are palpable.
With the backdrop of this exciting match, Chivas awaits their next challenge should they proceed: faced with the prestigious clash against the Águilas del América. This is not just another match but part of the rich tradition of the Clásico Nacional. Given the stakes and the players' performances so far, the upcoming game is set to be thrilling, as both teams vie for glory.
Betting odds from #RushBet highlight Chivas as the favorite with odds at -3,375, with Cibao lagging behind at +1,700. Odds analysts predict close action, as both teams are eager to outclass the other.