Pumas UNAM is set to take on Mazatlán FC this Sunday, February 9, 2025, as the sixth round of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 draws to a close. The much-anticipated match will kick off at 18:00 hours (CDMX) at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. This week’s event has fans buzzing, not only for the game itself but also as it coincides with Super Bowl LIX, showcasing two significant events on the same day.
The university football team, managed by Gustavo Lema, enters this flickering match on the heels of mixed performances. Following their unexpected 1-2 defeat to Canada’s Cavalry FC during the Concachampions, Pumas will be eager to rebound. Their previous league contest, which saw them clinch victory against Atlético de San Luis with a score of 3-2, had infused some confidence back within the squad. Winning this match could propel them to eleven points, securing them a place within direct playoff qualification zones, which is pivotal as the season approaches its halfway mark.
On the other side of the pitch, Mazatlán FC, guided by Víctor Manuel Vucetich, is also aiming for redemption after their recent setback against León, where they lost 1-2. Presently positioned just below Pumas with 7 points, they’ll be seeking to turn things around. With eleven matchdays still remaining, every point counts as they also aim to enter the play-in spots of the league standings.
Both teams meet again just three months after their last face-off on November 8, 2024, where Pumas emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Guillermo Martínez’s penalty shot. The anticipation for this rematch is palpable, especially considering how close the previous match was.
Here’s how both teams are expected to line up for the encounter:
Pumas UNAM:
- Pablo Lara
- Nathan Silva
- Lisandro Magallán
- Rubén Duarte
- Adalberto Carrasquilla
- José Caicedo
- Jorge Ruvalcaba
- Robert Ergas
- Rodrigo López
- Guillermo Martínez
- Ignacio Pussetto (Head Coach: Gustavo Lema)
Mazatlán FC:
- Hugo González
- Bryan Colula
- Samir Caetano
- Lucas Merolla
- José Esquivel
- Rodolfo Pizarro
- Jefferson Intriga
- Jordan Sierra
- Omar Moreno
- Nicolás Benedetti
- Édgar Bárcenas (Head Coach: Víctor Manuel Vucetich)
Fans are curiously eager to know where they can catch the match. It will be available exclusively on the ViX platform, with real-time updates also provided across various sports news platforms. For viewers outside Mexico, ViX Premium will also offer coverage, making it accessible to international fans.
With the match looming closer, analysts are weighing in on what to expect. Based on current forms, Pumas is viewed to have the upper hand, with predictions stating they carry a 41% chance of winning, compared to Mazatlán's 24% with 35% expected for a draw. Some betting tips suggest aiming for fewer than 2.5 goals—considering Pumas’ strong defense and Mazatlán’s struggle with offensive output.
Further adding to the discussion, manager Gustavo Lema commented on their previous match, stating, "Una cancha compleja, donde el equipo controló bastante el juego," explaining the difficulties faced on the pitch. Meanwhile, Vucetich from Mazatlán emphasized the importance of bouncing back, stating, "Estamos buscando mejorar en cada partido y estos encuentros son clave."
This matchup not only holds significance for positioning but will also be pivotal for morale as both teams seek to recover from their recent defeats and solidify their spots for the playoffs. With the stakes high and both teams eager for victory, fans can expect an exciting encounter. The real action begins soon, and all eyes will be on Estadio Olímpico Universitario this Sunday!