Guadalajara is set to host the Copa Pacífica tournament, featuring local teams Atlas, Chivas, Tapatío, and Leones Negros, from December 27 to December 29, 2024. This year’s competition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Universidad de Guadalajara and will take place at the Estadio Jalisco, promising exciting matches and showcasing the talents of up-and-coming players.
The tournament kicks off on December 27, 2024, with two matches. The first match will feature Leones Negros taking on Tapatío at 18:00 local time (19:00 ET), followed by the much-anticipated classic between Atlas and Chivas at 20:45 (21:45 ET). On December 29, the schedule includes the playoff for third place at 16:00, culminating in the final match for the Copa Pacífica at 19:00 local time.
This year’s Copa Pacífica marks not only the competitive spirit of local teams but also the debut of new coaching talent. Gonzalo Pineda has taken the reins at Atlas. With hopes of turning around the last season's struggles, which saw them barely scrape through to play-in from the tenth position, Pineda aims to showcase his vision for the club. Atlas has recently brought on board Carlos Orrantia and Gustavo del Prete to bolster their squad. "Atlas buscará dar una primera muestra de su nuevo proyecto," the club stated, indicating their intent to demonstrate early success.
On the other side of the pitch, Chivas, under the direction of Óscar García Junyent, is also eager to redefine their season after failing to advance past the play-in stage last tournament. García, who follows the short tenures of Fernando Gago and Arturo Ortega, recognises the importance of this tournament as part of their pre-season preparations. Fans are expected to witness changes as several promising players from the youth ranks are set to feature in the matches, providing them valuable opportunities to step up for the first team.
The structure of the tournament offers teams multiple chances to refine their strategies and assess player performances. The losing teams from the first matches will face off for the third-place title on December 29, and the final will take place between the victors of the initial fixtures. This format not only adds competitive intensity but also engages fans with more action-packed football.
With prior successes from the training ground, both Atlas and Chivas enter the tournament with their aspirations aligned. Atlas recently competed against Mineros and are seeking redemption after previous results. Chivas also fortified their squad with the signing of Miguel Tapias, who could be making his debut this weekend.
The excitement surrounding the Copa Pacífica isn't merely about football; it’s also about building local rivalries and nurturing talent within the Guadalajara area, known for its rich football history. The matches serve as preparation for the upcoming Clausura 2025 season, and both teams will be measuring their readiness against strong local competition.
Fans can look forward to the tournament being broadcasted live via TVC Deportes, Claro Sports, and Hi Sports, ensuring they can catch the action as it happens. Tickets for the matches are available starting at approximately $300, allowing supporters to experience the thrill of local football rivalries firsthand.
The Copa Pacífica promises to be not only competitive but also deeply meaningful as the teams pay homage to the institution fostering sports and education for fifty years. A showcase of local talent, tactical ingenuity, and fierce competition will set the stage for what is hoped to be an electrifying weekend of football.
With new coaches and the stakes high, fans are eager to see how their teams will perform. Will Atlas or Chivas emerge victorious from this weekend's classic matches? One can only wait and see. Get ready for some thrilling action at the Estadio Jalisco—after all, football is not just a sport in Guadalajara; it's part of the fabric of community life here.
