FC Juarez and Chivas faced off on Saturday night, March 15, 2025, ending their clash with a lackluster 1-1 tie at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez. After suffering a disappointing defeat to their fierce rivals Club América just days earlier, Chivas aimed to bounce back but struggled to display any significant improvement against Juarez.
The night began with Chivas missing key player Alan Mozo, who was left out of the starting lineup following his red card during the CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against America. Isaac Brizuela filled his place, yet the absence of Mozo was palpable. Chivas had hoped to assert some dominance early, but it was FC Juarez who took the lead when Angel Zaldivar scored after Chivas failed to clear the ball following a cross. His opportunistic right-footed shot put them up 1-0, pushing Chivas to scramble for answers as they were left reeling.
Chivas, who were reeling from their recent elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, felt the pressure to score, but their attempts were met with little success. The first half was forgettable for both teams, showcasing poor communication and lackluster execution on the pitch. An injury to Jonathan Gonzalez, who left the match on a cart after collapsing on the field, compounded their woes. After being unable to make significant offensive plays, Chivas entered halftime trailing.
During the break, Chivas made changes, substituting Isaac Brizuela for Miguel Gomez as they looked for fresh energy. Nevertheless, the second half mirrored the first, as both teams continued to struggle. Julio Chavarria nearly found the net with attempts, yet their shots remained off-target or easily saved by both goalkeepers. The level of play was somewhat disheartening, with fans expecting much more from both sides.
Despite the sluggish start, hope flickered for Chivas when Miguel Gomez managed to find the net with his right-footed shot, tying the game at 1-1. The equalizer stunned the FC Juarez defense as Chivas seized the moment, leveraging Javier Hernandez's hustle to create the opportunity.
Yet, as the game progressed, FC Juarez responded with vigor. Jairo Torres came close to regaining the lead with a shot just outside the area, forcing Chivas goalkeeper Raul Rangel to intervene. Juarez's attempts at goal, including another scare from Guilherme Castilho, who failed to convert yet another chance, cemented both teams’ struggles on performance.
What had started as a desperate pursuit for momentum eventually settled down to mediocrity, reflected most strongly by both teams' inability to capitalize on opportunities. The final whistle blew with the match ending at 1-1, leaving both teams without the solace of victory.
Following the tie, Chivas will take time during the FIFA break to regroup and will participate in two friendly matches in the United States, hoping to improve their performance before returning to Liga MX for another challenging encounter against Cruz Azul, likely to occur without their usual passionate fan support due to clubs’ punishing decisions stemming from previous matches. FC Juarez will face struggling Puebla next, needing to secure points to avoid slipping down the table.
For Chivas, the tension created by Mozo's absence reflects the shifting dynamics within the club, haunted by previous missteps, including Mozo's own disciplinary issues. His irresponsible play triggered not only a red card but internal discipline from management, raising concerns about his future with the team. Rumors have begun swirling about potential replacements like Pablo Bennevendo from Pumas UNAM as the press hints at the possibility of the right-back's departure becoming clearer as time builds.
Alan Mozo's recent decisions led to checks from club management concerned about his conduct, particularly after promoting online betting, which violates team rules and showcases distractions away from the field. With the stakes growing, the 2025 season presents numerous challenges featuring team dynamics and front office decisions potentially altering how Chivas approaches their rebuilding efforts.
Given the tightly contested competition, improvement is imperative for both squads as they continue their campaign. Both will look to gain momentum and regain control over their season outcomes. With performances on the field failing to reflect the ambition of the clubs, eyes will be set firmly on improvements during the coming matches as each point matters within the standings.
