In a tightly contested match at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Necaxa secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Puebla in the 17th round of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 on April 18, 2025. The only goal of the match came from José Paradela, who struck in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Puebla's goalkeeper, Julio González.
Puebla, currently languishing at the bottom of the league table with just 9 points, faced Necaxa, who are positioned in the playoff spots with 31 points. This match was crucial for both teams, but for very different reasons. While Necaxa aimed to solidify their playoff standing, Puebla desperately sought a turnaround from their recent poor form.
Puebla's coach, Pablo Guede, had hoped to see his team break a streak of disappointing performances. The team has struggled significantly this season, recording only two wins, three draws, and eleven losses in their previous sixteen matches. Their last outing saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat against Chivas, leaving them with a meager total of 12 goals scored and 25 conceded.
In stark contrast, Necaxa, under the guidance of Nicolás Larcamón, entered the match with momentum from a recent draw against Juárez. The team had previously enjoyed a strong run, including four wins in February and three in March, although they also suffered a heavy defeat to Pachuca (3-5) earlier this month.
The first half of the match was relatively uneventful until Paradela's moment of brilliance. With the clock ticking down to halftime, he executed a well-placed free kick that González failed to handle, allowing the ball to slip into the net. This goal not only gave Necaxa the lead but also highlighted Puebla's ongoing defensive woes.
Despite trailing, Puebla came out with renewed energy in the second half, determined to equalize. They created several opportunities, with Ricardo Marín and Brayan Angulo leading the attack. However, they were unable to find the back of the net, with Marín notably missing a clear chance that could have changed the game's outcome.
On the other side, Necaxa continued to threaten with their counter-attacks. Johan Rojas came close to doubling the lead, hitting the post twice during the match—first in the first half and again in the second, showcasing the visitors' attacking prowess.
As the second half progressed, Puebla's frustration grew. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but the Necaxa defense held firm. Jesús Alcantar was pivotal in maintaining the clean sheet, clearing several dangerous balls from the area.
The match concluded with Necaxa holding on to their slim lead, securing three vital points that keep them in contention for a direct playoff spot. Meanwhile, Puebla's struggles continue, leaving them in a precarious position at the bottom of the table.
With this defeat, Puebla's season looks increasingly bleak, as they now face the prospect of a long offseason to regroup and rethink their strategy for the upcoming Apertura 2025. They will need to address their offensive deficiencies and find a way to convert chances into goals if they hope to avoid a similar fate next season.
For Necaxa, the victory is a significant boost as they aim for a top-four finish, which would secure them a direct path to the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The team's attacking style and ability to score—35 goals in 16 matches—have made them a formidable opponent this season, and they will look to build on this momentum in the final matches of the regular season.
As both teams head into their next fixtures, the contrasting trajectories highlight the unpredictable nature of Liga MX, where fortunes can change rapidly. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Puebla can turn their season around, while Necaxa aims to solidify their position among the league's elite.
