Clash of Titans: UNAM and Guadalajara Battle for Quarterfinal Glory in Torneo Apertura Showdown
As the season’s first competition, the Torneo Apertura, draws to a close this weekend, América is expected to hold onto its dominant advantage at the top, leading by seven points over second-place Monterrey (39-32). However, if Monterrey falters in their next game, UANL (29) might be a challenge to his standing.
With 25 points, UNAM is presently in fifth place, but they have not yet guaranteed a spot in the final phase’s quarterfinals. If they win on Sunday, they could advance to the next round. Puebla (22) in seventh position and Atlético San Luis (23) in sixth place are not far behind, both fighting for a better ranking to guarantee their spots.
With 27 points, Guadalajara is comfortably positioned in fourth place and has officially secured their trip to the quarterfinals. If they win their next match, they might move up to third and possibly push UANL out of the way. Notably, since a league setback in March 2019, Guadalajara has not lost against Pumas.
After losing to Puebla 5–4 in the reclassification round last season, Guadalajara hopes to build on their 2-1 triumph at Estadio Olímpico Universitario to make up for missing out on the playoffs. Their most recent Apertura triumph was in 2006, and they finished second in the 2023 Clausura championship round after falling to UNAL 3-2.
Head-to-Head and Important Figures:
- The last five times UNAM has faced Guadalajara, they have lost four matches and drawn once.
- Against Guadalajara, UNAM has won once, drawn three times, and lost once in their previous five home games.
- In their last five home games, UNAM had four victories and one setback.
- In their previous five away games, Guadalajara has won twice and lost three times.
- Guadalajara had three victories and two defeats this season, compared to UNAM’s two wins, one tie, and two losses.
Forecast:
With eight and six goals, respectively, César Huerta and Juan Dinenno hope to advance UNAM to the championship round. Roberto Alvarado, on the other hand, is under pressure to seal the victory for Guadalajara following his six game-winning goals this season. Miguel Jiménez, the goalie, is trying to top the charts with five clean sheets thus far. Driven by the desire to go to the championship round and home field advantage, UNAM comes into the match as favorites.