Chivas and Mazatlán FC Clash for Play-In Spot in Clausura 2025

MAZATLÁN, Mexico — Chivas Guadalajara and Mazatlán FC will meet this Friday at Estadio El Encanto in a pivotal match that could impact both teams’ chances for the Play-In in the Clausura 2025 league season.

Mazatlán FC has made significant strides this season, thanks in large part to head coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich, who took over the team during Apertura 2024. Under his leadership, Mazatlán has become much stronger defensively and is vying for a place in the Play-In, which would mark only the second instance in the club’s nearly five-year history in Liga MX.

Vucetich previously steered Chivas to the semifinals of the Guardianes 2020 tournament, ending a four-year drought without reaching that stage, while also overcoming three consecutive losses in the Clásico Nacional against their biggest rival.

One notable player for Mazatlán this season is Rodolfo Pizarro, a former Chivas star who returned to the team after his stint in Greece with AEK Athens. Pizarro has played 20 matches since his return but has yet to find the back of the net or provide an assist, putting pressure on him to contribute in this critical match.

During his time with Chivas, Pizarro made a significant impact, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists in just four tournaments, helping the team secure titles including the Liga MX, Copa MX, and Concacaf Champions Cup.

Another player to watch is Eduardo Torres, who spent four years with Chivas but struggled to earn a consistent starting position, featuring in 94 matches before departing at the end of Apertura 2024. Now with Mazatlán, Torres has played 23 matches and accumulated just over 1,100 minutes on the field, seeking to solidify his role in the squad.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high for qualification into the Play-In, leaving fans on edge ahead of kickoff.