Introduction
Club Leon is on a mission to secure their first Liga MX victory since April as they prepare to face Puebla at Estadio Cuauthemoc on matchday three of the Apertura campaign. This encounter promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams, each looking to bounce back from a less-than-ideal start to their respective seasons.
Over the past weekend, Puebla experienced a crushing 4-1 defeat to Necaxa, while Club Leon managed only a goalless draw against Pachuca. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities early in the season, making this matchup a critical one for gaining momentum.
Puebla’s Troubling Start to the Apertura
Initial Struggles and Defensive Issues
From the outset on Saturday, Jose Manuel de la Torre’s squad found themselves on the defensive against Necaxa, trailing by two goals within the first 15 minutes. This marked their first loss of the Apertura campaign and highlighted significant defensive lapses. Notably, it was the first time since matchday 15 of the previous Clausura season that Puebla had conceded the opening goal.
Puebla has struggled historically when conceding first, failing to earn a single point in such situations during the last Apertura and Clausura campaigns. The defeat to Necaxa was also their worst since a 4-0 loss to Atletico San Luis on matchday 10 of the previous Clausura campaign.
Home Performance and Historical Context
Despite their recent struggles, Puebla has shown resilience at home. Their only victory in the previous Clausura season came against Mazatlan (3-2), and they have the chance to match their longest winning streak at Estadio Cuauthemoc with a win on Tuesday (two consecutive wins). Additionally, Puebla remains undefeated in their last three home matches against Club Leon, including a thrilling 5-4 victory in the same fixture last year.
Club Leon’s Quest for Improvement
Early Season Challenges
Club Leon has also had a rocky start to the Liga MX season, securing just one point from their first two matches. This is only marginally better than their performance in the opening two fixtures of the 2024 Clausura, where they failed to earn any points. Jorge Bava’s team has struggled offensively, scoring one goal or fewer in their last three Liga MX matches.
Away Game Woes and Defensive Concerns
The team’s away form has been particularly troubling, with no wins in their last three away matches since the previous Clausura season, including two defeats to Pumas. Despite their strong defensive performance last season, Club Leon has conceded the joint-second-most goals in the Apertura (four) after just two matches.
Club Leon has had a mixed record against Puebla, with points in three of their last four meetings but no away victories since the 2021 Apertura.
Team Lineups and Key Players
Puebla’s Squad Dynamics
Puebla fielded the same starting eleven in their second match as they did in their first, with Cristian Mares and Rafael Duran being the only substitutes to make an appearance. Duran scored the lone goal in their defeat to Necaxa, with him and Canadian Lucas Cavallini being the only players to score for Puebla in the Apertura so far.
Club Leon’s Squad Adjustments
On the other hand, Club Leon was without Andres Guardado due to a hamstring injury and will also miss Victor Barajas, who is suspended following a straight red card against Pachuca. Alfonso Blanco’s performance was a bright spot, as he saved all three shots he faced in the match against Pachuca, earning his first clean sheet of the competition.
Possible Starting Lineups
Puebla
- Rodriguez: Goalkeeper
- Ferrerais, Gularte, Orona, Angulo: Defenders
- De Buen: Midfielder
- Velasco, Gonzalez, Waller, Duran: Midfielders
- Cavallini: Forward
Club Leon
- Blanco: Goalkeeper
- Barreiro, Frias, Bellon, Reyes: Defenders
- Ambriz, Medina: Midfielders
- Guerra, Alvarado, Cabral: Midfielders
- Ayon: Forward
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
Expected Match Dynamics
Club Leon has historically been slow to start their Liga MX campaigns, and this season appears to be no different. Both teams have shown defensive frailties, which could lead to a cautious approach in this match. Given their recent form, a draw seems a plausible outcome for this encounter.
Key Factors to Watch
- Defensive Solidity: Both teams need to tighten their defenses to avoid conceding early goals.
- Offensive Creativity: The ability to create and convert scoring opportunities will be crucial.
- Home Advantage: Puebla’s recent home form could give them a slight edge.
FAQs
What is the historical performance of Puebla against Club Leon?
Puebla has been undefeated in their last three home matches against Club Leon, including a memorable 5-4 victory last year.
How has Club Leon performed at the start of the current season?
Club Leon has had a slow start, securing only one point from their first two matches. They have struggled both offensively and defensively.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Puebla, keep an eye on Rafael Duran and Lucas Cavallini. For Club Leon, Alfonso Blanco’s goalkeeping and the potential return of Andres Guardado will be crucial.
What are the possible starting lineups for both teams?
- Puebla: Rodriguez; Ferrerais, Gularte, Orona, Angulo; De Buen; Velasco, Gonzalez, Waller, Duran; Cavallini
- Club Leon: Blanco; Barreiro, Frias, Bellon, Reyes; Ambriz, Medina; Guerra, Alvarado, Cabral; Ayon
What are the predicted outcomes for this match?
Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Conclusion
As Club Leon and Puebla prepare to face off at Estadio Cuauthemoc, both teams are eager to improve their early-season performances. Puebla aims to capitalize on their home advantage, while Club Leon looks to overcome their slow start and defensive issues. With both teams having something to prove, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. For more in-depth analysis and predictions, stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter.
