In a crucial clash for playoff positioning, Chivas Guadalajara secured a vital 1-0 victory against Puebla in Jornada 16 of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Erick Gutiérrez. The match took place at Estadio AKRON in Guadalajara on April 15, 2025, and marked a significant turnaround for Chivas, who had been struggling with five games without a win prior to this match.
Chivas entered the match with a sense of urgency, knowing that their playoff hopes were on the line. The first real threat came in the 18th minute when Teun Wilke's throw-in found Alan Pulido, who took a shot that went wide. The home team continued to press, and it was Pulido again who came close with a header that was comfortably saved by Puebla's goalkeeper, Julio González.
The breakthrough for Chivas came in the 37th minute when Gutiérrez, who had been looking to make an impact, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that curled into the net, leaving González with no chance. This goal was particularly special for Gutiérrez, as it marked his first of the season. "I just saw the opportunity and took the shot; thankfully, it went in," he said after the match. This goal not only gave Chivas the lead but also revitalized their chances of making it to the repechaje, or playoff round, of the tournament.
With the scoreline in their favor, Chivas appeared to take their foot off the gas at the start of the second half, allowing Puebla to regain some control. The visitors began to create more chances, with Franco Moyano testing Chivas goalkeeper Eduardo García, who made a crucial save to keep his team ahead. Puebla's pressure mounted in the final minutes of the game, and Gustavo Ferrareis nearly equalized with a close-range effort that just missed the target.
Despite their late attempts to find an equalizer, Puebla was unable to break through, suffering their seventh defeat in the last eight matches. This loss leaves them at the bottom of the table with just nine points, while Chivas climbed to 10th place with 20 points, positioning themselves for a shot at the playoff.
The match was also notable for the all-female officiating crew, consisting of Katia García as the central referee, with Karen Díaz and Sandra Ramírez as assistant referees. This marked a historic moment for women in officiating in Liga MX, adding an extra layer of significance to the match. García, 32, has officiated 11 matches this season, while Díaz, 40, and Ramírez, 36, have been integral in their roles throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead, Chivas will face their city rivals Atlas in the final jornada, a match that will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. "We have to keep the momentum going and prepare well for the Clásico Tapatío," said Chivas coach, who emphasized the importance of the upcoming match. The stakes are high as Chivas will need a favorable result from the match between Pumas and Santos, as well as from Mazatlán and Querétaro, to ensure their place in the repechaje.
As the season nears its climax, fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown against Atlas, which promises to be an electrifying encounter filled with passion and rivalry. Chivas fans will be hoping that their team can build on this much-needed victory and carry the momentum into the decisive final match.
In summary, Chivas' victory over Puebla not only ended their winless streak but also kept their playoff hopes alive, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season. With Gutiérrez finding his scoring touch and the team rallying behind their recent performances, the Rebaño Sagrado is poised for a dramatic finish to the Clausura 2025.
