On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the much-anticipated Liga MX match between Pumas UNAM and CF Monterrey is set to kick off at 6:00 PM Central Mexico time at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. This match not only features two promising teams but also marks a significant moment for both clubs as they vie for playoff positions in the Clausura 2025 season.
Pumas UNAM enters the match placed 11th on the league table, having collected 14 points so far. The university side has recently seen positive changes since Efraín Juárez took over as head coach, with notable performances including two wins and one draw across all competitions. Juárez's leadership has reinvigorated the squad, encouraging them to aim high and secure their place within the playoff slots.
Meanwhile, CF Monterrey stands slightly higher at 9th place, with 16 points. The Rayados are coming off a disappointing exit from the Concachampions after tying 3-3 on aggregate with the Vancouver Whitecaps, who advanced thanks to the away goals rule. This elimination has sidelined their continental ambitions, prompting them to focus all their efforts on securing success within the domestic league.
The Pumas have improved their form significantly, gaining momentum with a recent 3-1 victory over Puebla just before this match. The home team is eager to showcase their strength and make the most of their home-field advantage at the sprawling Estadio Olímpico, which can accommodate around 72,000 spectators.
What complicates matters for Monterrey is their recent inconsistency when playing away. Despite their talent—led by the likes of captain Sergio Ramos—the team has struggled to maintain form outside their home ground. Their recent performances have raised concerns, as they also drew against Cruz Azul, dropping more points on the road.
Both teams will be eager to claim the three points on offer, making the stakes particularly high. For Pumas, this match presents another opportunity to climb the rankings and potentially slip back inside the top eight, which is necessary for Liguilla qualification.
Fans can catch the action live on Canal 5 and TUDN, with streaming options available via VIX Premium, making it accessible for supporters near and far. With the hope of pushing their league ambitions forward, both squads are preparing for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Predictions from experts have tipped Monterrey as the favorite to win this clash, with RushBet offering odds of +135 for Monterrey, +175 for Pumas, and +250 for the match to end in a draw. With such close odds, the match is expected to be fiercely contested.
Looking back at recent matches between the two sides, Monterrey holds the edge, having beaten Pumas four times out of their last five encounters, with only one match ending in a draw. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the clash, as Pumas aims to turn the tables and write their own narrative against their rivals.
The matchup between Pumas and Monterrey isn't just another game on the calendar; it's also about pride, potential playoff impacts, and the opportunity to showcase the skills of their star players, including Pumas’ Lisandro Magallán and Monterrey’s Sergio Ramos. Both teams will be feeling the pressure to perform and the opportunity to shift the momentum of their seasons.
All eyes will be on the Estadio Olímpico Universitario tonight as the Pumas UNAM take on CF Monterrey, and fans are set for what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Liga MX season.