Pachuca and Pumas face off this Thursday at Estadio Hidalgo for a spot in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX Play-In. The winner will play the loser of Tijuana vs. Juárez for the final liguilla berth. This marks the last tournament with the Play-In format.
The match between Pachuca and Pumas closes out the Play-In in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX, a format implemented for the last time. The game takes place this Thursday, November 20, at 19:00 central Mexico time at Estadio Hidalgo, home of the Tuzos, who hold the local advantage.
Pachuca, led by new coach Esteban Solari, fields the lineup: Carlos Moreno, Barreto, Aceves, Eduardo Dos Santos, Brian García, Pedraza, Bautista, Valencia, Idrissi, Quiñones, and Nunes. Pumas, under Efraín Juárez—who has used the most academy players in the last five years—lines up with Keylor Navas, Bennevendo, Duarte, Ananias, Monroy, Angulo, Rodrigo López, Caicedo, Ruvalcaba, Alan Medina, and Santiago López. Juárez stands out for his focus on youth.
Broadcasting is available on FOX channel via Megacable and Totalplay, and streaming on Caliente TV and FOX One. According to Caliente.mx odds, Pachuca is favored at +110 to win, draw at +230, and Pumas victory at +255.
The winner does not advance directly to the liguilla but will face the loser of the other Play-In between Tijuana and Juárez, set for 21:00 at Estadio Caliente. This duel will determine the eighth seed, facing Toluca. Historically, Pachuca and Pumas have had six direct eliminations, adding tension to the clash.
In previews, Pachuca arrived at the stadium with enthusiasm, posting on social media: 'Listos en casa'. Pumas showed determination: '¡Con determinación, llegamos! #UnidosPorLaHistoria'. The Play-In has been critiqued for ending 'sin pena ni gloria', per recent analyses.