In a thrilling encounter at Estadio El Encanto on March 28, 2025, Mazatlán FC secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atlas FC, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the Liga MX Play-In. The match, part of Jornada 13 of the Liga MX Torneo Clausura 2025, showcased a dynamic performance from both teams, with Mazatlán ultimately capitalizing on their numerical advantage.
From the outset, the match promised excitement, and it did not disappoint. Atlas struck first in the 18th minute when Eduardo Aguirre found the net with a precise right-footed shot, assisted by Uros Djurdjevic. However, Mazatlán responded quickly, leveling the score just nine minutes later. Nicolás Benedetti scored from a free kick in the 27th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The momentum shifted further in favor of Mazatlán when Luis Amarilla added a second goal just two minutes later, putting the home side ahead 2-1. But Atlas was not done yet. Djurdjevic, who has been a key player for the team, converted a penalty in the 34th minute, bringing the score to 2-2. This goal marked Djurdjevic's tenth of the season, making him just one goal shy of the league's top scorer, Diber Cambindo.
As the match continued, both teams exchanged chances, but it was Mazatlán who took control after Mateo García of Atlas was shown a red card in the 52nd minute, leaving his team with ten men. This pivotal moment allowed Mazatlán to push for the winning goal. Salvador Rodríguez seized the opportunity, scoring in the 61st minute to put Mazatlán ahead once again at 3-2.
Despite being down a man, Atlas regrouped and nearly equalized in the 80th minute, but Aldo Rocha's misplay allowed Mazatlán's goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, to make a crucial save. The tension heightened as the match approached its conclusion, with Victor Ríos striking the post in the 93rd minute, nearly snatching a draw for Atlas.
With this victory, Mazatlán climbed to eleventh place in the standings with 16 points, tied with Chivas but trailing on goal difference. Meanwhile, Atlas fell to thirteenth, three points behind Mazatlán, with both teams still vying for a chance to qualify for the Play-In.
The match was a significant rebound for Mazatlán, who had suffered a disappointing loss to Querétaro in their previous outing. Coach and players alike expressed their determination to turn the tide and fight for a postseason berth. "We knew we needed to win this game to stay in the hunt for the Play-In," said Benedetti after the match. "Every point counts, and we showed that we can compete against strong teams like Atlas."
As the Liga MX season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match's momentum. Mazatlán's next challenge will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position, while Atlas will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings. The rivalry between these two clubs continues to heat up, with Mazatlán historically holding the upper hand in their recent encounters, having won three of the last five matches against Atlas.
Fans can expect more thrilling action as the Liga MX season unfolds, with both teams eager to secure their places in the playoffs. As the battle for the Play-In spot intensifies, every match will be pivotal in deciding the fate of these squads.
