In a crucial matchup for both teams, Chivas de Guadalajara faced Puebla FC at Estadio Akron on April 15, 2025, during Jornada 16 of the Liga MX Clausura 2025. With playoff aspirations on the line, Chivas entered the match in desperate need of a victory, sitting in 15th place with just 17 points. On the other hand, Puebla was struggling at the bottom of the table, positioned second to last with only 9 points.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, hoping their support would propel the home team to a much-needed win. Chivas, under pressure from their supporters, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage to secure three points and keep their hopes of qualifying for the Play-In alive.
The match kicked off with both teams displaying cautious strategies. Chivas sought to assert their dominance early, controlling possession and pushing forward. The first significant attempt on goal came just eight minutes in, but the shot lacked precision. Chivas continued to press, with Teun Wilke and Alan Pulido trying their luck from distance, yet their efforts were off-target.
As the game progressed, Puebla adopted a defensive stance, clearly focused on avoiding defeat rather than seeking victory. This strategy, however, led to frustration among Chivas players and fans alike, as the visitors set up two defensive walls to thwart any offensive advances.
In the 36th minute, the match took a pivotal turn when Gustavo Ferrarreis of Puebla received the first yellow card for a series of fouls. Moments later, Chivas broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Erick Gutiérrez unleashed a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box that found the back of the net, giving Chivas a 1-0 lead just before halftime. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, providing a glimmer of hope for the team’s playoff ambitions.
As the second half commenced, both teams returned to the pitch with renewed determination. Chivas aimed to extend their lead while Puebla remained resolute in their defensive approach. The match continued with Chivas dominating possession, but they struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Chivas needed to secure this victory, but they also had to rely on other results in the league. Their path to the Play-In was complicated; they needed to win their last two matches and hope that Pumas UNAM failed to gather six points in their remaining fixtures. Additionally, if Pumas did win, Chivas would require Monterrey to finish with zero points, along with a favorable goal difference against Mazatlán and Querétaro.
Meanwhile, Puebla was fighting to avoid finishing last in the league. With their current standing, they were desperate to gather points to escape the relegation zone, but the task was daunting given their performance throughout the season.
As the match wore on, the tension increased. Chivas continued to press for a second goal, but their attempts were thwarted by a resilient Puebla defense. The visitors, despite their struggles, remained determined to keep the scoreline close.
In the closing stages of the match, Chivas maintained control, but they could not find the insurance goal they desperately needed. The final whistle blew with Chivas emerging victorious, securing a 1-0 win over Puebla. The three points were crucial, keeping Chivas' playoff hopes alive while leaving Puebla in a precarious position at the bottom of the table.
Following the match, Chivas players expressed their relief and determination to continue fighting for a playoff spot. "We knew we had to win this game, and we did our job," said Gutiérrez, reflecting on the importance of the victory. "Now, we have to focus on the next match and keep pushing forward. Every point counts at this stage of the season."
Chivas will now look ahead to their final match of the regular season, where they will need to secure another victory to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Play-In. Meanwhile, Puebla must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge, hoping to avoid the last position in the league and salvage some pride in the remaining fixtures.
The Liga MX standings as of now show Toluca leading with 33 points, followed by América with 31 points and León with 30 points. Chivas sits at 17 points, tied with Mazatlán and Querétaro, while Puebla remains at the bottom with 9 points. With only a few matches left, the pressure is mounting for teams across the league as they vie for playoff positions and fight against relegation.
