The highly anticipated Clásico Capitalino pits Club América against Pumas UNAM this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the iconic Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:05 Central Time, making it one of the more exciting fixtures of the weekend for Mexican football enthusiasts.
Club América approaches this match after securing a 1-1 draw against Club León, where Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring before James Rodríguez equalized for León. This result leaves América second on the table with 17 points, just three behind León. Coach André Jardine's squad aims to reclaim its place atop the standings and assert itself against one of its traditional rivals.
Pumas, on the other hand, finds itself needing victories to stay competitive for playoff positions. The team sits seventh with 13 points after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Pachuca last week. Under the leadership of manager Gustavo Lema, Pumas is hoping to capitalize on their home field advantage to please their devoted fanbase.
This zeitgeist of rivalry cannot be overstated; as América goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón put it, "The clásico is the one with the most intensity. There’s always great rivalry; these are very special matches." Both teams recognize the historical weight of this encounter, as they not only battle for points but also for city pride.
Fans can catch all the action live on TUDN and Canal 5, with streaming options available on ViX Premium. Coverage will commence one hour prior to the match with insights, confirmed lineups, and the vibrant atmosphere expected at the stadium.
Águilas fans are undoubtedly hoping to see their team overcome recent inconsistencies, contrasted with the regular threats posed by players like Zendejas and Henry Martín. Conversely, Pumas aims to maintain momentum, riding on players such as Ignacio Pussetto, who has been pivotal this season with three goals and one assist.
The rivalry's history adds another layer of excitement, with recent matchups favoring Pumas, having won the last two encounters against América. The high stakes of this match mean both teams enter with heavy expectations—not just to win, but to forge their legacy amid fierce competition.
The officiation for this match will be led by referee Fernando Hernández, who brings considerable experience, though has faced criticism for past controversies. His performance will be pivotal as he manages the intense atmosphere expected during the match.
With both teams vying for favorable positioning to secure their playoff aspirations, this Clásico Capitalino promises to be electric. Could América manage to break its negative streak against Pumas, or will the university team continue its dominance? With the passionate fan bases, rich histories, and the weight of the match on players and coaches alike, all eyes will be on February 22 at 21:05.