Introduction
The Liga MX Clausura 2025 continues to bring football fans thrilling encounters, with the latest battle featuring Atlas FC taking on Necaxa at Estadio Jalisco. The match, played on February 18, 2025, saw Necaxa securing an impressive 2-0 victory over Atlas, showcasing their growing strength in the league.
In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the match, including key moments, player performances, tactical insights, and what this result means for both teams moving forward.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Atlas vs. Necaxa
- Competition: Liga MX Clausura 2025 – Jornada 9
- Date: February 18, 2025
- Venue: Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Final Score: Atlas 0-2 Necaxa
From the first whistle, the match displayed a high level of intensity, with both teams looking to dominate possession and create goal-scoring opportunities. However, Necaxa’s solid defensive performance and clinical finishing gave them the edge over the home side.
First Half: A Tactical Battle
The opening minutes saw Atlas controlling the tempo, pressing high and trying to break through Necaxa’s well-organized defensive lines. However, the visitors were quick to respond with their counter-attacking strategy, utilizing speed on the wings.
Key Moments in the First Half
- 12′ – Early Atlas Attack:
- Atlas showed early dominance, with Jordy Caicedo coming close to scoring, only to be denied by Necaxa’s goalkeeper, Ezequiel Unsain.
- 20′ – Necaxa’s Counterattack:
- Bryan Garnica and Damián Batallini combined well on the right wing, forcing Atlas to sit deeper.
- 31′ – Necaxa Takes the Lead:
- Agustín Palavecino delivered a stunning shot from outside the box, beating Camilo Vargas and putting Necaxa ahead 1-0.
- 41′ – Atlas Struggles to Respond:
- Atlas attempted to equalize before halftime, but their final passes lacked precision, with Julio Furch missing a crucial header.
At halftime, Necaxa led 1-0, looking more disciplined and composed compared to a frustrated Atlas side.
Second Half: Necaxa Seals the Win
Atlas came out strong in the second half, determined to turn things around. Coach Benjamín Mora made tactical adjustments, pushing his team higher up the pitch to apply more pressure on Necaxa.
Key Moments in the Second Half
- 53′ – Atlas’ Missed Opportunity:
- Aldo Rocha delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but Julián Quiñones’ header went just wide.
- 68′ – Necaxa’s Second Goal:
- Ricardo Monreal capitalized on a defensive mistake from Atlas, scoring a clinical goal to make it 2-0.
- 80′ – Atlas’ Last Effort:
- Jonathan Herrera attempted a long-range shot, but Necaxa’s defense remained solid.
- 90′ – Full-time Whistle:
- Necaxa secured a crucial 2-0 victory, continuing their impressive form in the Clausura 2025.
Player Ratings & Performance Review
Atlas FC
| Player | Rating | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Camilo Vargas (GK) | 6.5 | Made key saves but could not prevent the two goals. |
| Hugo Nervo (DF) | 6.0 | Struggled to contain Necaxa’s counterattacks. |
| Aldo Rocha (MF) | 6.8 | Created chances but lacked precision in key moments. |
| Julio Furch (FW) | 5.9 | Missed a crucial chance to equalize. |
Necaxa
| Player | Rating | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Ezequiel Unsain (GK) | 7.5 | Kept a clean sheet with solid saves. |
| Agustín Palavecino (MF) | 8.0 | Scored the opening goal and controlled midfield. |
| Ricardo Monreal (FW) | 7.8 | Took advantage of defensive errors to seal the game. |
Tactical Analysis: Why Necaxa Dominated
1. Defensive Discipline
Necaxa maintained a compact defensive shape, ensuring Atlas had minimal space to create scoring opportunities.
2. Efficient Counterattacks
Every transition by Necaxa was quick and precise, taking advantage of Atlas’ high defensive line.
3. Midfield Control
With Agustín Palavecino dictating the tempo, Necaxa had better ball distribution, leading to more dangerous attacks.
Post-Match Reactions
Atlas Coach Benjamín Mora:
“We had chances but failed to capitalize. Necaxa took advantage of our mistakes, and we must improve our finishing.”
Necaxa Coach Eduardo Fentanes:
“I’m proud of the team’s discipline and execution of our game plan. This victory boosts our confidence for the next matches.”
Liga MX Clausura 2025 Standings Update
With this victory, Necaxa climbs higher in the standings, while Atlas faces a setback in their playoff ambitions.
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | América | 21 |
| 2 | Monterrey | 19 |
| 3 | Necaxa | 17 |
| 4 | Pachuca | 16 |
| 9 | Atlas | 11 |
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Atlas FC:
- Will look to bounce back in their next game against Pumas UNAM.
- Necaxa:
- Faces Toluca in what will be a crucial fixture to maintain their form.
Conclusion
The 2-0 victory for Necaxa over Atlas was a statement performance, showcasing solid defensive play and clinical finishing. With their impressive form in Liga MX Clausura 2025, Necaxa is positioning itself as a strong contender for a top-four finish.
Atlas, on the other hand, will need to regroup and fix their attacking struggles to stay in the playoff race. With exciting fixtures ahead, Liga MX fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.
