Guadalajara Looks to Bounce Back Against Pachuca in Key Matchup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Club Deportivo Guadalajara is set to face Pachuca in a crucial match for the Liga MX Clausura 2025 on Saturday, February 24, at Estadio Akron. After a disappointing performance against Toluca, the Rojiblancos aim to secure three invaluable points to help them climb the league standings.

Head coach Óscar García is making his return after serving a three-match suspension and has called up 21 players for the encounter. This matchup forms part of a series of important fixtures that Guadalajara faces in the coming weeks, which includes at least three matches in both the Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

“It’s essential for us to start strong and regain our momentum,” García said in a recent press conference. Coming off a series of struggles, the coach is eager to lead his team back to victory. Before losing to Toluca, the Chivas had managed back-to-back wins.

The squad for the match includes goalkeepers Raúl Rangel and Eduardo García, defenders Alan Mozo, José Castillo, and Miguel Tapias, midfielders Gilberto Sepúlveda, Luis Rey, and Mateo Chávez, and forwards such as Roberto Alvarado and Alan Pulido.

The projected lineup sees Rangel in goal, backed by a defensive line of Mozo, Sepúlveda, Tapias, and Castillo. Midfield duties will likely be handled by González, Romo, Padilla, and Gutiérrez, while Alvarado and Pulido aim to bolster the attack.

Despite the team’s ups and downs this season, the choice of players reflects García’s tactical approach focusing on a sturdy back line and dynamic attacking options. “The players know what’s at stake, and we are prepared to put on a strong performance,” he added.

Guadalajara currently ranks in the lower half of the league, tied on points with several other teams but aiming to break out of this congested group. Their last few matches have shown potential, yet consistency remains a challenge.

In addition to the squad’s current challenges, notable absentees include Teun Wilke, who has not been included in the latest lineup and appears to have fallen behind in team selection. García’s willingness to maintain a smaller roster of players suggests a focused strategy to maximize performance.

The match against Pachuca will be a benchmark for Guadalajara as they strive not only to recover from recent setbacks but also to build the momentum needed to progress through the Liga MX season.