Club de Fútbol Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL at the iconic Estadio AKRON in the long-awaited postponed match from Matchday 1 of the Apertura 2025. Originally scheduled for the season opener, this encounter was delayed due to pitch conditions at the AKRON Stadium, but the wait has only heightened the anticipation for this crucial fixture.
The timing couldn’t be more significant for both clubs. Chivas enter with renewed confidence following their stunning 2-1 victory over Club América in El Clásico Nacional, while Tigres sit in 5th place with 14 points from 7 matches, firmly positioned in playoff contention. For Guadalajara, currently languishing in 11th place with just 7 points, this represents a crucial opportunity to kickstart their season.
Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL Liga MX Soccer Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
- Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Time: 19:05 CDT / 20:05 EDT (01:05 UTC Thursday)
- stadium: Estadio AKRON, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Competition: Liga BBVA MX Apertura 2025 (Postponed Matchday 1)
- Standings:
- Tigres UANL – 5th
- Guadalajara – 12th
Chivas’ Clásico Hangover
Guadalajara’s euphoric victory over América has provided a massive morale boost, but it came at a significant cost. Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado, the hero who opened the scoring in that memorable triumph, suffered an ankle injury in the 78th minute and has been ruled out for Wednesday’s clash
The loss of Alvarado represents a major blow to Chivas’ attacking structure. The versatile winger had been one of their most influential players this season, contributing crucial goals and assists while providing the pace and creativity that Gabriel Milito’s system demands. His absence forces the coach to find alternative solutions in what is already a struggling offensive unit.
Chivas’ overall form remains deeply concerning. With just 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses from 7 matches, they sit with an average of 1 point per game – far below expectations for a club of their stature. Their goal difference of -2 reflects the attacking struggles that have plagued them throughout the Apertura.
More troubling is their defensive fragility, having failed to keep a single clean sheet this season across all competitions. They’ve conceded 1.86 goals per match in Liga MX, with their home record showing 2.33 goals conceded per match at the AKRON Stadium.
Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL Tigres’ Title Credentials
Tigres UANL arrive in Guadalajara as clear favorites, boasting 4 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss from 7 matches. Their 14 points place them 5th in the Liga MX table, well-positioned for a playoff berth and potential championship challenge.
Ángel Correa has been their standout performer with 3 goals, while Diego Lainez leads the assists chart with 3 creative contributions. The attacking diversity has been impressive, with the team scoring 2.29 goals per match – significantly higher than Chivas’ 1.57 goals per game.
Defensively, Tigres have been far superior, conceding just 1.14 goals per match and recording 4 clean sheets this season. Their 57% clean sheet rate contrasts starkly with Chivas’ 0% record in that category.
However, they face their own injury concerns. André-Pierre Gignac, their legendary French striker, remains sidelined with a right knee injury. The 39-year-old has managed only 115 minutes across 4 matches this season, scoring 1 goal while battling persistent fitness issues.
Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL Head-to-Head Dominance
The historical record heavily favors Tigres UANL, who have dominated recent encounters between these Liga MX giants. In their last 31 meetings, Tigres have secured 13 victories compared to Guadalajara’s 6 wins and 12 draws.
The goal statistics tell an even starker story, with Tigres outscoring Chivas 47-32 across these encounters. This represents an average of 1.52 goals per game for Tigres compared to just 1.03 for Guadalajara.
| Last 31 Meetings | Chivas Wins | Tigres Wins | Draws | Chivas Goals | Tigres Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 matches | 6 (19%) | 13 (42%) | 12 (39%) | 32 | 47 |
More concerning for Chivas is Tigres’ recent superiority. The visitors have won 19 of their last 53 encounters across all competitions, while Guadalajara have managed just 14 victories.
Key Player Battles
Armando González Alba vs Tigres Defense
With Alvarado sidelined, Armando González Alba becomes Chivas’ primary attacking threat. The striker leads the team with 4 goals this season and will need to step up against a well-organized Tigres backline. His movement in the penalty area and clinical finishing ability could prove decisive
Ángel Correa’s Impact
The Argentine attacking midfielder has been Tigres’ most consistent performer with 3 goals in 7 Liga MX appearances. His ability to create chances and find space between the lines poses a significant threat to Chivas’ defensive structure.
Erick Gutiérrez’s Creativity
In Alvarado’s absence, Erick Gutiérrez becomes even more crucial for Chivas. Leading the team with 2 assists, the experienced midfielder must provide the creative spark that can unlock Tigres’ disciplined defense.
Diego Lainez’s Pace
Tigres’ Diego Lainez brings pace and directness from wide positions. His 3 assists this season demonstrate his ability to create chances for teammates, while his dribbling skills could exploit any defensive gaps.
Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL Tactical Analysis
Chivas’ Attacking Concerns
Without Alvarado, Gabriel Milito faces a tactical dilemma. Chivas have failed to score in 29% of their matches this season, with their away record showing 50% failure to score. The team’s 1.57 goals per match average may drop further without their creative catalyst.
Their 60% possession average suggests they dominate the ball but struggle to convert territorial advantage into goals. Against Tigres’ organized defense, creating clear chances will be even more challenging.
Tigres’ Balanced Approach
Robert Dante Siboldi has built a well-balanced team that can score (2.29 goals per match) while remaining defensively solid (1.14 goals conceded). Their 57% away clean sheet rate indicates they travel well and can grind out results.
Without Gignac’s physical presence, Tigres might focus more on quick passing plays and off-the-ball movement to dismantle Chivas’ defense. Their strong form indicates they can adjust tactically to any scenario.
Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL Match Prediction
Despite playing at home, Chivas face significant challenges that make Tigres clear favorites. Several factors support this assessment
- Head-to-head dominance: Tigres’ 13-6-12 advantage in last 31 meetings
- Current form: 14 points vs 7 points, superior goal difference
- Defensive stability: 4 clean sheets vs 0 for Chivas
- Key injury: Alvarado’s absence removes Chivas’ primary creative threat
The statistical prediction models give Chivas just a 19% chance of victory, with Tigres favored at 42% and draws at 39%. The “Under 2.5 Goals” prediction reflects both teams’ tactical approach and Chivas’ scoring struggles.
- Expected Result: Guadalajara 0-2 Tigres UANL
Tigres’ superior form, defensive organization, and head-to-head record should prove decisive against a Chivas side missing their key creative player.
How to Watch Guadalajara vs Tigres UANL – Stream Liga BBVA MX Cup Live, TV Channel
- Mexico: TV Azteca / Fox Sports Mexico
- United States: Fox Sports 1 / Fox Deportes
- Streaming: Fox Sports App / VIX+
Kick-off Time by Region:
- Mexico (CDT): 19:05 (Local)
- Eastern Time: 20:05 EDT
- Pacific Time: 17:05 PDT
- United Kingdom: 01:05 BST (Thursday)
This encounter represents a crucial juncture for both clubs’ Apertura campaigns, with Tigres seeking to maintain their playoff position while Chivas desperately need points to avoid falling further behind in the standings.