As the Apertura 2025 unfolds, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Estadio La Corregidora this Friday, July 25, where Querétaro’s Gallos Blancos will host Pumas UNAM in a pivotal Jornada 3 clash. Both teams are desperate to shake off poor starts and secure their first victories of the season, but the match carries added significance with the highly anticipated debut of Keylor Navas, the legendary Costa Rican goalkeeper, in Liga MX.
Keylor Navas, 38, a three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has recently completed his transfer from Newell’s Old Boys to Pumas. After arriving in Mexico City on July 22 from Argentina and completing his migratory process in Guatemala, Navas obtained his Mexican work visa, clearing the way for his debut. According to ESPN reporter Adriana Maldonado, the club aims to finalize all paperwork and the transfer so that Navas can earn his first minutes on Mexican soil during this crucial fixture at 7 pm local time.
However, Pumas must navigate league regulations by deregistering a non-Mexican player to free up a foreign player slot before Navas can officially take the field. The club plans to present him formally on Thursday, July 24, setting the stage for what could be a transformative moment for both the goalkeeper and his new team.
The Estadio La Corregidora, steeped in Mexican football history, will provide a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. Fans unable to attend can catch the action live on digital platforms Tubi and Caliente TV, ensuring widespread access to Navas’s debut.
Both Querétaro and Pumas enter the match under significant pressure. Querétaro has endured a rocky start, losing their first two matches 1-0 to Tijuana and 3-1 to Necaxa, scoring just once and conceding four goals. The Gallos Blancos currently sit at the bottom of the table, eager to capitalize on their home advantage and turn their fortunes around in front of their supporters.
Pumas’ struggles mirror those of their hosts. The team has yet to earn a point this season, falling to Santos Laguna and Pachuca while conceding six goals across those two defeats. The arrival of Navas is viewed as a beacon of hope that could stabilize their defense and inspire a climb up the standings, especially with upcoming commitments in the Leagues Cup adding urgency to their quest for form and confidence.
Historically, encounters between Querétaro and Pumas have been closely contested. In their last five meetings, each side has claimed two victories and shared one draw. However, Pumas have found La Corregidora a challenging venue, managing only three wins in 19 visits, with their last triumph dating back to Jornada 2 of the Clausura 2022 when they won 3-1.
The match promises to be a thrilling contest not only because of the teams’ need for points but also due to the narrative surrounding Navas’s debut. His presence is expected to elevate the competitive level of the game and offer invaluable experience to younger players within the Pumas squad. Observers and fans alike will be keenly watching to see if the veteran goalkeeper can quickly adapt to the demands of Liga MX and make an immediate impact.
Keylor Navas’s journey to this point has been remarkable. After a decorated career in Europe, his move to Mexico represents a new chapter and a chance to leave a lasting legacy in a different footballing culture. His professionalism and winning mentality could be just what Pumas need to reverse their fortunes.
Meanwhile, Querétaro’s coach Benjamín Mora will be strategizing to exploit home advantage and the motivation of his players to finally break their winless streak. The Gallos Blancos have shown glimpses of potential but need to convert performances into points quickly to avoid slipping further down the league table.
As the match kicks off at 7 pm Central Mexico time, anticipation will be high across the Liga MX community. The game not only offers a chance for redemption for both teams but also a historic moment as Keylor Navas steps onto Mexican soil for the first time in an official league match. Will his experience be the catalyst Pumas need? Can Querétaro capitalize on their home turf to claim vital points? The answers will begin to unfold under the lights of La Corregidora.
With the Apertura 2025 still in its early stages, this fixture carries weight far beyond the three points on offer. It represents a crossroads for two struggling sides and the dawn of a new era for Pumas with the arrival of a world-class goalkeeper. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, eager to witness how this story develops.
In the end, whether it’s a breakthrough performance or a hard-fought draw, the Querétaro versus Pumas match on July 25 promises to be a defining moment in the early season narrative of Liga MX.
