The Liga MX Apertura 2025 season kicked off with a highly anticipated clash between FC Juárez and Club América at the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. This match marked the beginning of a new chapter for both teams, with Club América aiming to rebound after a challenging start to 2025 and Juárez looking to build on their playoff appearance last season.
Club América, known as Las Águilas, entered the game as one of the top contenders in the league. The team endured a tough first half of the year, falling short in the Apertura final, exiting early from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and missing out on the Club World Cup after a playoff loss to Los Angeles FC. Despite these setbacks, the squad maintained a strong core, retaining key players like Álvaro Fidalgo, Alejandro Zendejas, Sebastián Cáceres, and Henry Martín. The Eagles also enjoyed a full preseason for the first time in two years, which boosted their preparation for the new campaign.
FC Juárez, on the other hand, entered the match with modest expectations. The club, relatively young in Liga MX, finished the previous Clausura season in ninth place with 24 points and narrowly missed advancing past the play-in after a tie-breaker loss to Pumas. Defensively, Juárez struggled last season, conceding nearly two goals per game on average. The team’s style emphasizes open, attacking football, but this approach often leaves them vulnerable at the back, particularly on set pieces. Juárez had not won any of their last five matches heading into this fixture and had only secured one victory in their previous seven home games.
The match was scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, with kickoff at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM Mexico City time). Viewers in the United States could watch the game live on Fubo, FS1, FOX Deportes, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Univision, and Fox Sports, while Mexican fans had access via TV Azteca and the Tubi streaming app.
In terms of team news, Club América faced some early challenges. Goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón and defender Israel Reyes were on a week-long vacation following their participation in the Gold Cup, and striker Henry Martín was in the final phase of recovery from injury, expected to return in a couple of weeks. Consequently, Rodolfo Cota started in goal, with Sebastián Cáceres and Igor Lichnovsky anchoring central defense. The midfield featured Álvaro Fidalgo, Erick Sánchez, and Alexis Gutiérrez, who was set to make his official debut. Up front, Brian Rodríguez, Alejandro Zendejas, and Víctor Dávila formed the attacking trio.
Juárez also had to cope with absences due to suspensions. Defender José Juan García and midfielder Dieter Villalpando were sidelined after receiving red cards in their Clausura 2024 play-in match against Pumas. Moises Mosquera and Ricardinho were expected to fill those gaps. Striker Oscar Estupiñán was fit and ready to lead the Juárez attack, supported by Sebastián Jurado in goal and a backline including José Abella, Francisco Calvo, and Ralph Orquin.
Historically, Club América has dominated the head-to-head record against Juárez, boasting nine wins to Juárez’s two, with three draws. Their recent encounters further favored América, who won three of the last five meetings, including a commanding 4-0 victory earlier in February 2025. Juárez, meanwhile, had never beaten América at home and had not drawn with them since 2020.
Both teams were coming off difficult runs before this match. Juárez had not won in their last five games, suffering defeats in the previous two, while América was without a win in three consecutive official matches and winless in six straight away fixtures. Juárez averaged 0.8 goals per game at home, whereas América averaged 1.2 goals per game on the road, suggesting a slight offensive edge for the visitors.
Club América’s head coach André Jardine continued to employ a high-press, possession-based style that has proven effective against less stable teams like Juárez. The Eagles’ deep squad and attacking talent gave them a clear advantage, although the absence of some key players and the early season rustiness posed challenges.
The game unfolded as a test of Juárez’s resilience and América’s determination to start the Apertura on a strong note. Juárez aimed to leverage their home advantage and individual skill on the wings, while América sought to impose their tactical discipline and pressing game to control the match.
Fans in the United States and Mexico tuned in eagerly, with streaming options widely available across multiple platforms. The broadcast included commentary and analysis, highlighting the significance of this fixture as the curtain-raiser for the new Liga MX season.
As the match progressed, the intensity reflected the stakes for both sides. América’s quest for redemption and Juárez’s desire to prove their growth created an engaging dynamic on the pitch. The outcome remained uncertain, with both teams displaying moments of promise and vulnerability.
Looking ahead, this match set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Apertura campaign. Club América’s experience and ambition position them as strong contenders, while Juárez’s hunger to break through and secure consistent results adds intrigue to the league’s competitive landscape.
With key players returning from injury and suspensions lifting in the coming weeks, both squads will have opportunities to adjust and strengthen as the season unfolds. Fans can expect tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the passionate atmosphere that defines Liga MX football.
For now, the Juárez vs Club América match stands as a compelling opening act, showcasing the challenges and aspirations of two teams at different points in their journeys. The Liga MX Apertura 2025 season is officially underway, and the story is just beginning.
