Pumas UNAM is set to face Club América this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 21:05 (CDMX) at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario for the highly anticipated Clásico Capitalino, part of the Liga MX Clausura 2025. This match promises to be charged with intensity, as both teams are eager to achieve significant victories.
The Pumas will be hoping to recover from their recent defeat against Pachuca, where they lost 1-2, placing them at 10th with 11 points and putting pressure on them to secure points to move closer to playoff positions. On the other hand, Club América, currently placed third with 20 points, is entering this match after two unfortunate results - suffering a 2-3 loss at home to Necaxa and drawing 1-1 with León. América will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity to add three points and potentially close the gap on the league leaders, León.
Historically, the matches between these two teams are fiercely contested, with Pumas having won the last two encounters, including victories of 2-1 and 1-0 against América. The last time América secured victory over Pumas was back during Apertura 2023.
For this match, Pumas will field their starting lineup featuring players like Álex Padilla, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Ignacio Pussetto, and captain Pablo Bennevendo. Meanwhile, Club América will entrust their game plan to players such as Luis Malagón, Henry Martín, and Álvaro Fidalgo, under the management of André Jardine.
Ahead of the match, ESPN commentator Álvaro Morales weighed heavily on Pumas’ performance, stating, "Los Pumas no deberían de existir ni siquiera en Primera División. Estos Pumas no presionan, tienen una salida mixta, inservible..." This harsh critique is indicative of the high stakes and pressure surrounding the team to perform well against their rivals.
Morales continued with, "Hay que salir a golear, destrozar y humillar..." emphasizing the need for América to assert dominance and deliver a performance of authority. Such statements resonate with fans eager for victory and reflect the intense rivalry encapsulated within the Clásico Capitalino.
The significance of the clash is heightened as both teams look to solidify their impacts as the league approaches its midway point. For viewers wishing to catch the match, it will be broadcast on Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX in Mexico, and through ViX for audiences based in the United States.
This clash not only serves as another chapter for the historical rivalry but also as a pivotal match for both teams to juggle their aspirations for the Liga MX title and playoff contention. Fans are expected to fill the Estadio Olímpico Universitario as they rally behind their teams, marking yet another exciting evening of football between Pumas UNAM and Club América.