In a highly anticipated clash, Atlético Morelia is set to face off against Atlante in the first leg of the Liga de Expansión MX quarter-finals. The match will take place at Estadio Morelos on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 19:10 hours (Central Mexico time) and will be broadcast live on Claro Sports, ESPN 4, Fox Sports, Hi! Sports, and TVC Deportes.
This encounter marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for a spot in the semi-finals of the Clausura 2025 tournament. Atlético Morelia, having struggled in recent seasons, is looking to capitalize on its home advantage and secure a crucial victory against the formidable Atlante squad.
Morelia's journey to the playoffs has been rocky. After three consecutive seasons of disappointing performances, the Canarios have clawed their way back into contention. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Nacho Castro, Morelia finished the regular season in seventh place with 22 points, achieving six wins, two draws, and six losses. They scored a total of 18 goals but conceded 21, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
In stark contrast, Atlante has been a dominant force in the Liga de Expansión since its inception. The Potros de Hierro, led by coach Miguel de Jesús Fuentes, finished second in the standings with 28 points, just one point behind UdeG. Atlante's impressive record includes eight victories, four draws, and only two losses, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities with 26 goals scored and a mere 11 conceded throughout the season.
The clash between Morelia and Atlante is often referred to as a ‘Clásico’ due to the rich history and tradition both teams share in Mexican football. Atlante has claimed three titles and one champion of champions in five years, while Morelia has only one title to its name. This historical rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming match.
As the teams prepare to meet, the stakes couldn't be higher. Morelia must secure a win to advance, as a draw would favor Atlante, who finished the regular season in a better position. The format of the quarter-finals eliminates the possibility of extra time or penalties, making it imperative for Morelia to maximize their home advantage.
In their recent encounters, Atlante has had the upper hand, winning several key matches against Morelia. For instance, in Jornada 3 of the Clausura 2025, Atlante triumphed 2-0 over Morelia, continuing their dominance in this rivalry. Morelia will need to find a way to break this trend if they hope to progress.
In terms of player performance, Atlante's standout striker, Jesús Alberto Ocejo, who finished as the league's top scorer with 13 goals, poses a significant threat to Morelia's defense. His ability to find the back of the net consistently will be crucial for Atlante's success in this quarter-final showdown.
Both teams have been preparing intensely for this match, with Morelia focusing on tightening their defense while looking to exploit any weaknesses in Atlante's gameplay. The Canarios will rely heavily on their home crowd to create an electrifying atmosphere at Estadio Morelos, hoping it will propel them to victory.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the quarter-finals is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Estadio Agustín 'Coruco' Díaz in Zacatepec, where the outcome of this first leg will heavily influence the teams' strategies.
In conclusion, as the clock ticks down to kickoff, excitement is building for this thrilling encounter between Atlético Morelia and Atlante. With both teams having much to prove and a storied rivalry at play, fans can expect a fiercely contested match that could set the tone for the remainder of the Liga de Expansión playoffs.
