Guadalajara, Jalisco - In a dramatic turn of events, Chivas will once again play at Estadio Jalisco this Saturday, March 29, 2025, in their Liga MX showdown against Cruz Azul. This change comes as a result of the Estadio Akron being vetoed due to violent incidents during the Clásico Nacional, where a glass bottle was thrown from the stands, striking player Kevin Álvarez.
Initially, the league had planned for the match to be played without fans, following the sanctions imposed on the Akron. However, in a surprising move, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) approved Chivas' request to shift the venue, allowing fans to attend the match at Estadio Jalisco. This decision was made just a day before the match, on Friday, March 28, 2025, raising eyebrows regarding the timing and adherence to the league's regulations.
According to Article 47 of the regulations, clubs facing a stadium veto have the option to either play behind closed doors or request a change of venue, provided it is at least 50 kilometers away from the penalized stadium and that the request is made at least seven days in advance. The distance between Estadio Akron and Estadio Jalisco is approximately 20 kilometers, meaning Chivas did not meet the required distance or notice period. Despite this, the league granted the request, albeit with additional operational and security measures in place.
Chivas' management expressed relief at being able to host the match with fans, which they believe will prevent significant financial losses from ticket sales. The match against Cruz Azul is highly anticipated, and the club aims to fulfill commitments to season ticket holders and fans who had already purchased tickets. “This approval saves us from a potential financial loss from a match that is expected to draw a large crowd,” said a club representative.
For fans looking to attend, Chivas confirmed that all ticket holders from the original match at the Akron will have guaranteed access to Estadio Jalisco. This includes Chivabonos, Multianuales cards, soccer cards, and Ex Socios cards. However, there will be no assigned seating, and entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are advised to arrive early to secure their spots.
Security measures at Estadio Jalisco will be significantly enhanced to ensure the safety of all attendees. The club has committed to increasing the number of security personnel and conducting thorough checks at the entrances to prevent any incidents similar to those that led to the Akron's veto.
Interestingly, the match timing coincides with a concert by Alejandro Fernández at the nearby Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso, scheduled to start at 20:30 hours, just 35 minutes before the match kicks off at 21:05 hours. This overlap could pose logistical challenges for fans trying to access the stadium.
The last time Chivas played at Estadio Jalisco was in October 2023 against Tigres, where they suffered a heavy defeat. This time, however, the team is looking for redemption against Cruz Azul, who currently sit in a strong position in the league standings. The stakes are high as both teams vie for crucial points in the race for playoff positions.
Chivas head coach Fernando Gago emphasized the importance of the match, stating, “We are ready to fight for every point. Our fans will be our 12th player, and we hope to deliver a performance that makes them proud.”
As the match day approaches, excitement is building among the fans who are eager to support their team in a familiar setting. The atmosphere at Estadio Jalisco is expected to be electric, with supporters hoping to see their team secure a vital victory.
In summary, while the circumstances surrounding the venue change have raised questions about compliance with league regulations, the approval by the FMF allows Chivas to play in front of their fans, which is a significant relief for the club and its supporters. The match against Cruz Azul promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to capitalize on the moment.
