This Saturday, February 22, the Liga MX is set to deliver thrilling action with several key matches, headlined by the classic clash between Pumas and America at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Fans can expect intensity and excitement from this storied rivalry as both teams strive to assert their dominance.
The day kicks off at 5:00 PM when FC Juárez hosts Toluca, followed by Rayados de Monterrey facing Atlético San Luis at 7:00 PM. Simultaneously, León will battle Tigres, and Chivas goes up against Pachuca around 7:05 PM, with both matches available for streaming. Conclusively, the highly anticipated Pumas vs America matchup will close the day at 9:05 PM, broadcasted on TUDN and Canal 5.
Highlighting the urgency of the league, current events have stirred up discussions beyond the field. Recently, international referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava faced significant backlash after he infamously asked Leo Messi for his jersey after the Concacaf Champions Cup match featuring Inter Miami. According to sports analyst Marco Antonio Rodríguez, Concacaf reacted sternly to Ortiz's request, issuing him a six-month suspension from all international competitions.
This suspension means Ortiz will miss the 2025 Concachampions, the upcoming Gold Cup, and potential participation in the 2026 World Cup. His only remaining officiation opportunities will be within Liga MX, where he will seek redemption and showcase his abilities.
On another note, Mazatlán FC had a disappointing start to this Clausura 2025 season, facing off against the Rayos del Necaxa, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Coach Victor Manuel Vucetich expressed disappointment over the roster disparities, emphasizing budget constraints as inhibiting factors.
“The budget isn’t important; they have very good players, and based on this, they are doing great work. It’s not by chance; it’s quality,” Vucetich stated during the post-match press conference. He underscored the financial gulf between his struggling team, valued at 33 million euros, and Necaxa, which stands at 43.9 million euros.
Vucetich acknowledged significant defensive errors during the match, particularly citing the first goal which was directly caused by a poor clearance from his defenders. “We cleared the ball poorly, and it ended up with a Necaxa player who finished the play. After equalizing, we fell apart in the second half,” he elaborated, reflecting on the factors leading to the defeat.
With the team currently sitting at 13th place, Mazatlán FC has accumulated only 8 points this season, comprising 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. The focus will now shift to their next fixture, where they will face Cruz Azul on February 28, as they seek to reverse their fortunes.
Overall, the Liga MX Clausura 2025 season is shaping up to be competitive and intense. With prestigious matchups like Pumas vs America on the horizon and significant discussions surrounding officiation and team dynamics, excitement looms large as fans gear up for another weekend filled with soccer.