In a thrilling encounter at Estadio El Encanto, Mazatlán FC secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Atlas on March 28, 2025, as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot in the Liga MX Clausura 2025. The win was significant for the Cañoneros, who now sit in 11th place with 16 points, just outside the play-in zone, while Atlas remains in 14th with 13 points.
The match began with an explosive start as Eduardo Aguirre put Atlas ahead in the 17th minute. After a swift move, Aguirre received the ball inside the area and executed a deft cut to fire a low shot past Mazatlán's goalkeeper, Hugo González. Initially ruled offside, the VAR intervened, confirming the goal and giving the Rojinegros a 1-0 lead.
However, the home team responded quickly, leveling the score just nine minutes later. Nicolás Benedetti stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the area, curling the ball brilliantly over the wall and into the net, leaving Atlas goalkeeper Camilo Vargas no chance. The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum in favor of the Cañoneros.
Just four minutes after Benedetti's equalizer, Mazatlán took the lead. Following a series of deflections in the box, Luis Amarilla found himself in the right place at the right time, pushing the ball into the net to make it 2-1 for the hosts. The atmosphere was electric as Mazatlán fans celebrated their team's comeback.
But Atlas was not done yet. In the 36th minute, Uros Durdevic, known as Djuka, converted a penalty after being fouled by Mazatlán's Lucas Merolla. The referee initially missed the foul, but after a VAR review, the penalty was awarded. Djuka calmly slotted the ball home, restoring parity at 2-2 before the halftime whistle.
The second half began with a turning point that would ultimately decide the match. Just six minutes in, Mateo García of Atlas, who had only just come on as a substitute, received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Jordan Sierra. The dismissal left Atlas with ten men and put them at a significant disadvantage.
With the numerical advantage, Mazatlán seized the opportunity to push forward. In the 60th minute, Salvador Rodríguez scored the decisive goal. Following a corner kick, the ball was deflected into the path of Rodríguez, who made no mistake, tapping it in to give Mazatlán a 3-2 lead. The home crowd erupted in jubilation as the Cañoneros took control of the match.
Despite being a man down, Atlas fought valiantly to find an equalizer. They created several chances, including a header from Martín Nervo that was saved by González in the 78th minute. Just a minute later, Aldo Rocha had a golden opportunity to level the score but fired wide when he should have scored. The tension mounted as the clock wound down, but Mazatlán's defense held firm.
As the match entered stoppage time, Atlas continued to press forward, desperate for a late equalizer. However, a shot from Nervo struck the post, denying the Rojinegros yet again. Ultimately, the whistle blew, sealing a 3-2 victory for Mazatlán, who celebrated their precious three points.
This match highlighted the ongoing struggles for Atlas, who have not managed to defeat Mazatlán since the latter's promotion to the top flight. The defeat has left Atlas fans concerned about their team's form, especially with the playoffs approaching.
For Mazatlán, the victory is a significant boost as they aim for their first-ever playoff appearance. With 16 points, they are now just outside the playoff spots, and if Chivas loses to Cruz Azul on Saturday, they could climb even higher in the standings.
As the Cañoneros look to build on this momentum, they will need to continue improving their performances in the coming weeks. The road ahead is tough, but with the spirit shown in this match, they are certainly in the mix for a playoff berth.
The Liga MX action continues to heat up as teams vie for crucial points in the final stretch of the season. For Atlas, the challenge will be to regroup and recover from this disappointing loss, while Mazatlán will aim to ride this wave of confidence into their next fixtures.
With the stakes higher than ever, the excitement of Liga MX is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the season progresses.
