On March 29, 2025, the City Stadium in Mazatlan will host a crucial clash in the 13th round of the Mexican Liga MX, as Mazatlan FC takes on Atlas Rojinegros. With only five matches remaining in the regular season, both teams are eager to secure points that could propel them into the playoff picture.
Mazatlan currently sits in 12th place in the league standings, with a total of 13 points. Their recent form has been concerning, managing just one win and three draws in their last eight matches. This lack of consistency has raised questions about their ability to climb the standings and compete for a playoff spot. The team has struggled offensively, boasting the worst scoring record in the league. However, they have shown resilience defensively, conceding few goals, with only the tournament leaders, America and Tigres, having a more reliable defense.
In contrast, Atlas, also with 13 points, is closely trailing Mazatlan in the standings. The Rojinegros have experienced a slight resurgence, securing two victories in their last three matches. They are hungry for another win, as it could boost their chances of reaching the playoff zone. Atlas has had a mixed bag of results this season, with three wins overall, and only one of those victories coming away from home. Their standout player has been Montenegrin striker Uros Djurdjevic, who has netted nine goals this season, placing him second in the league’s top scorers' race.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal match, the stakes couldn't be higher. Diego González, a winger for Atlas, emphasized the importance of the remaining matches. "We don't have five matches left; we have five finals, and we must win them. We have to give it our all in training and every second of every match. We'll do our best to secure the points and win the games," he stated in a recent press conference. González also noted the team's focus on advancing to the Play IN phase of the tournament rather than worrying about their position on the coefficient table, which could lead to penalties for poor performance.
Despite their struggles, González remains optimistic about the team's potential. "We deserve to be higher up because we've done things right. There were matches where we controlled the game for many minutes, but we couldn't capitalize, and then a mistake or something led to a goal against us. So, I believe we do deserve to be higher up," he concluded.
The upcoming match will see Mazatlan fielding a lineup that includes goalkeeper Gonzalez, defenders Almada, Sanchez, Diaz, and Adame, midfielders Intriago and Sierra, and forwards Torres, Benedetti, Pizarro, and Duarte. Meanwhile, Atlas is expected to start with Vargas in goal, a defense featuring Nervo, Rios De Alba, Matheus Doria, and Rocha, midfielders Flores and Marquez, and an attacking trio of Del Prete, Lozano, and Djurdjevic.
Head-to-head statistics reveal a trend that could favor a low-scoring affair. In the last three encounters between these teams, the "Total under 2.5" bet has consistently paid off, indicating a lack of goals in their matchups. Furthermore, in four previous meetings held at Mazatlan's home ground, the hosts have claimed three victories, with one match ending in a draw.
As both teams gear up for this critical showdown, the question on everyone's mind is whether Mazatlan can overcome their scoring woes and if Atlas can continue their upward trajectory. The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both sides likely adopting a cautious approach. Given the historical context and current form, betting on "Total under 2.5" with odds of 1.63 appears to be a sound choice.
With playoff aspirations on the line, expect both teams to give their all in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. The atmosphere at the City Stadium is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their teams in hopes of securing vital points as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
