In a thrilling encounter at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Necaxa faced off against Puebla in a crucial Liga MX match on April 18, 2025. The stakes were high for Los Rayos, who needed a win to leapfrog Pachuca and secure a spot in the quarter-finals, while Puebla was looking to end their season on a high note despite already being eliminated from playoff contention.
The match kicked off at 8 PM PT / 11 PM ET, with Necaxa entering the game in 7th place with 28 points, hoping to secure a top-four finish and avoid the Play-In round. Meanwhile, Puebla sat at the bottom of the table with just 9 points, desperate to avoid finishing last and incurring the hefty penalties associated with it.
Manager Nicolas Larcamon’s squad was determined to clinch all three points, especially after a recent 2-2 draw against FC Juárez. They were keen to capitalize on their recent form and make a strong statement in their final match of the regular season. However, they faced challenges as they were without defensive duo Agustin Oliveros and Manuel Mayorga, putting pressure on their remaining players.
Puebla, under the guidance of manager Pablo Guede, was also facing injury woes, missing forward Lucas Daniel Cavallini due to a cruciate ligament injury and defender Jesus Rivas because of a thigh problem. Despite these setbacks, the home side was eager to deliver a strong performance for their fans.
As the match unfolded, Necaxa quickly showcased their attacking intent. Ricardo Monreal led the charge, supported by teammates Jose Paradela and Pavel Perez. The visitors dominated possession early on, creating several scoring opportunities. A powerful shot from Johan Rojas hit the post, a warning sign for Puebla that Necaxa was serious about taking the lead.
Puebla, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite having moments of possession, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Ricardo Marín missed a clear opportunity, sending the ball over the goal, while Juan Fedorco's header went wide. The intensity of the match was palpable, with both teams fighting hard for every ball and the atmosphere in the stadium electric.
The first half saw Necaxa controlling the pace, but Puebla slowly began to find their footing. They attempted to create danger through crosses, looking for a free striker to break the deadlock. However, the visitors' defense held firm, preventing any clear-cut chances from the home side.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. Puebla was keen to avoid another defeat after their recent 1-0 loss to Chivas, which marked their 11th defeat of the season. With only one match left, they were determined to end on a positive note. The home crowd rallied behind their team, hoping for a spark of magic to ignite their season.
As the second half commenced, both teams made tactical adjustments. Puebla needed to push forward aggressively while Necaxa aimed to maintain their composure and capitalize on any counter-attacks. The match was still finely balanced, with neither team able to find the back of the net.
In the closing stages, the urgency increased. Necaxa pressed hard, knowing that a win could secure their place in the playoffs without the need for a Play-In match. The players were visibly exhausted but pushed on, determined to secure the vital points.
In the end, the match concluded without a goal, leaving both teams with mixed feelings. For Necaxa, the draw meant they would have to rely on other results to determine their playoff fate. Meanwhile, Puebla finished their season on a disappointing note, but they showed resilience and determination throughout the match.
As the players left the field, the focus shifted to the implications of this match on the Liga MX standings. Necaxa's hopes of making a deep playoff run remained alive, but they would need to wait and see how the final matchday unfolded. Meanwhile, Puebla would reflect on a season filled with challenges and look to rebuild for the next campaign.
The match was broadcast live on TUDN and ViX in the United States, with fans eager to catch every moment of this thrilling encounter. Despite the absence of key players, both teams delivered an engaging performance, showcasing the competitive spirit of Liga MX.
As the Liga MX regular season came to a close, the focus now shifts to the playoffs. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the matchups that will determine the champion of Clausura 2025, with teams like Necaxa hoping to make a significant impact.
