Two teams called to fight for the title in Mexican soccer will face each other on the third matchday of the Clausura MX 2024, as Pumas will host Pachuca.
In the last game, the ‘Universitarios’ lost 3-1 in their visit to Atlético San Luis, so Ulises Rivas’ goal was useless.
So far, the ‘Tuzos’ have only played one match in the semester and won 1-0 against Cruz Azul as visitors.
When and where?
Sunday, January 28th, 4:15 pm ET at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Moneyline odds:
Draw Offs:
Where Can I Watch It?
Why Bet on Pumas?
Last season, Pumas reached the semifinals of the Liga MX but could not achieve their goal of becoming champions. This year, they want to succeed more with one of the best squads in Mexico. However, they were beaten 3-1 by Atlético San Luis on the last matchday. Ulises Rivas scored the goal for the ‘Universitarios’, while Leo Bonatini, Sebastien Salles Lamonge, and Benjamin Galdames scored for the rival.
The most important thing for this team is that they were able to keep their star player from last season, attacking midfielder César Huertas, who has good scoring numbers.
To try to go for the title, Gustavo Lema is the new coach. He hired Peruvian midfielder Piero Quispe from Universitario and striker Guillermo Martínez from Puebla, to improve the squad. The hardest loss is that of Argentine striker Juan Ignacio Dinenno, who was far from his best last semester. He left for Cruzeiro, Brazil.
Due to a muscular injury, Argentine defender Nicolás Freire is out.
Why Bet on Pachuca?
Pachuca did not even qualify for the Play-In last semester, so the obligation for this team is latent, as it has been one of the most competitive in Mexican soccer since the beginning of the century.
Due to international commitments, the ‘Tuzos’ have only played once this semester and won 1-0 away against Cruz Azul, thanks to a goal scored by the star signing, Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón. The Venezuelan is a player with extensive experience in Spain, England, and Russia. Although he did not score so many goals in River Plate, he made a difference because of his physical capacity at 34, in addition to his remarkable hierarchy. Undoubtedly, Rondón will try to cover the loss of Nicolás Ibáñez, who, despite having left a year ago, has not been replaced.
Alongside the Venezuelan is a team with several hungry youngsters, and they may have this as a virtue if they can print vertigo and physical play. Other additions include players such as Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa, Ecuadorian defender Andrés Micolta, and left-back Alonso Aceves, who has a past with Chicago Fire. All of them are led by Uruguayan coach Guillermo Almada, who was ratified by the ‘Tuzos’ board of directors.
Final Betting Analysis: Pumas vs. Pachuca
Pumas and Pachuca last met on July 16, 2023, and the final score was 1-1, while the last time at the Universitario stadium, the ‘Tuzos’ won 0-2.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Pumas as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 1.95, while Pachuca has 3.66, and the draw is at 3.58.
Pachuca is coming off an international match last weekend and needs to confirm that it can fight for the top spots. However, the win will end up going to Pumas, who will take advantage of their crowd and end a streak of three games without beating this rival.
Go for a win for the locals. If you bet $100 at 1.95, you will gain $95 for a total payout of $195.
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