Cruz Azul is set to clash with Atlas in a friendly match, scheduled for March 22, 2025, at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California. This matchup comes at a significant moment as Liga MX teams navigate a break due to the FIFA date, allowing clubs to assess player performance and refine strategies ahead of the crucial part of the season.
The game marks another opportunity for Cruz Azul’s head coach Vicente Sánchez to integrate young talent into the first team. In previous matchups, players like Bryan Gamboa stood out, having scored two goals in the previous friendly against León, which Cruz Azul won decisively by a score of 3-1. This friendly is crucial not only for improving team dynamics but also for keeping players sharp for upcoming competitive fixtures, including important matches against rival teams like América, Chivas, and Pumas.
On the other side, Atlas, spearheaded by coach Gonzalo Pineda, comes into this encounter looking to bounce back from recent challenges, including a 2-0 loss against Chivas in their last outing. Although Atlas has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the Clausura 2025 season, inconsistency has hindered their progress, leaving them in 13th place with only 13 points. They will look to turn their fortunes around against Cruz Azul.
Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 19:00 hours (Mexico City time), but unfortunately, fans in Mexico will not have access to a live broadcast of the game, although those in the United States can tune in via FOX Deportes. For those eager for updates, follow the minute-by-minute coverage through the official social media channels of the teams.
In preparation for the match, both teams are likely to field their best available lineups, despite Cruz Azul's slight injury concern over Ángel Sepúlveda, who left the last match due to a notable fall. Sánchez is expected to tweak his lineup, potentially starting Andrés Gudiño; Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos; Cristian Jiménez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Andrés Montaño; Luka Romero; Gabriel Fernández, and Bryan Gamboa. Meanwhile, Atlas is likely to counter with José Hernández; Víctor Ríos, Martín Nervo, Aldo Rocha, Matheus Dória; Rivaldo Lozano, Leonardo Flores, Jeremy Márquez; Gustavo del Prete, Eduardo Aguirre, and Uroš Đurđević.
The last time these two teams met was during Jornada 1 of the Clausura 2025, where both sides shares points in a thrilling 1-1 draw. With both teams motivated by recent performances, they're eager to secure a positive outcome in this friendly.
As they head into this match, there's an air of anticipation surrounding the scouting of younger players amidst the coaching strategies. Sánchez's focus on integrating youth development alongside preparing for significant matches is commendable. Football enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keen to witness how the upcoming friendly will play out in fostering team chemistry and building towards a successful return to competitive action.
