Pumas UNAM will face Club Puebla on March 7, 2025, as part of Jornada 11 of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 tournament. This highly anticipated match marks the debut of Efraín Juárez as the team's head coach following his recent appointment. With both teams struggling to gain momentum this season, the stakes are high for both squads, especially for Pumas, as they have suffered four consecutive losses, leaving them languishing at 12th on the league table.
Before the match at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Juárez’s leadership is seen as pivotal for Pumas, who have amassed only 11 points from ten matches, comprising three wins, two draws, and five losses. Their last victory came during Jornada 6 against Mazatlán, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see if Juárez can turn the team's fortunes around.
"El partido entre Puebla y Pumas... será un gran duelo para ambos equipos que se encuentran en la parte baja de la tabla," noted Mediotiempo, emphasizing the competitive nature of the matchup.
For the Pumas, the return of Lisandro Magallán, their captain and defensive stalwart, adds to the hopes of fans. After recovering from injury, Magallán trained with the team this week, and reports suggest he will see minutes on the field tonight. His presence could prove to be the defensive reinforcement the Auriazules desperately need as they look to halt the poor run of form.
Puebla, currently ranked 15th with just 8 points, has also endured challenges this season, winning only two of their ten matches. With four defeats out of their last five games, including a recent 2-0 loss to Querétaro, pressure mounts on coach Pablo Guede’s squad to perform. "Efraín Juárez... busca revertir cuatro derrotas consecutivas en su nuevo liderazgo," reported W Deportes, signaling the urgency behind Juárez’s game plan.
The upcoming match is not just about strategy; it also symbolizes hope for both teams. Pumas aims to build on their 2-0 victory against Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which marked Juárez's first win as head coach. The fans are optimistic, recalling their historical edge over Puebla with victories including 1-0 and 3-0 wins during the previous season. Pumas has defeated their rivals consistently, but recent trends indicate the need for improvement to reclaim their former glory.
Tonight's match kicks off at 21:00 hours Mexico City time, and spectators won't miss the action as it will be broadcast on multiple platforms including Azteca 7, Fox Sports, and TUDN. Fans can also enjoy live coverage via streaming on Prime Video and Fox Sports Premium. A ticket to the Estadio Cuauhtémoc ranges from $240 to $865, reflecting the high interest and intensity surrounding the match.
Based on recent form, predictions are mixed; analysts indicate the possibility of a tight match, with many anticipating either Pumas or Puebla seizing the opportunity to earn badly needed points for their playoff aspirations. A tight contest is forecasted with odds of Pumas being slight favorites at +140, versus Puebla’s +190 according to RushBet.
For both teams, this match is foundational; securing points could significantly influence their standings as they strive not only for playoff entry but to rebound credibility after disappointing performances. The players will undoubtedly feel the weight of expectation as they step onto the pitch, hoping to emerge victorious and give their fans something to cheer about once more.
Fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting encounter. With renewed hope under Efraín Juárez, Pumas UNAM looks poised to rise from the trenches, aiming for redemption against La Franja, who are equally desperate for points to fuel their quest for improvement. Expectations are high, and the stage is set for what could be a memorable clash at Estadio Cuauhtémoc.