Match Kickoff Halted by Severe Weather in Guadalajara
A highly anticipated, rescheduled Liga MX Apertura 2025 fixture between Chivas de Guadalajara and Tigres UANL at Estadio Akron has been delayed. The match, originally set for Wednesday, September 17, was put on hold shortly before its scheduled 9:05 p.m. ET kickoff due to a severe thunderstorm that left the pitch flooded. Officials are assessing the conditions, with both teams remaining in their locker rooms awaiting a decision on a new start time.
Chivas Riding High After Clásico Triumph
Chivas entered the contest with a significant surge of momentum following a crucial 2-1 away victory over their archrivals, Club América, in “El Súper Clásico.” The win was a massive boost for the club, lifting them to 12th in the league standings with seven points from a record of two wins, one draw, and four losses. Before that victory, the team had struggled, but the derby result has reignited their playoff aspirations. A win against Tigres would pull them to within just one point of the playoff qualification zone.
The team’s recent success has been powered by breakout star Armando González, who leads the squad with four goals. However, Chivas is contending with significant injuries. Midfielder Erick Gutiérrez was ruled out with a muscle injury, and reports suggest Roberto Alvarado, who scored against América, could also miss the match.
Tigres’ Formidable and Consistent Campaign
Tigres UANL arrived in Guadalajara as one of the league’s most consistent performers. They currently sit fifth in the table with 14 points, built on a strong record of four wins, two draws, and only one defeat. A victory would propel them into the top three of the Liga MX standings. Their last outing was a 0-0 draw against Club León, a result that marked their second consecutive clean sheet but was also the first time they have failed to score this season.
Statistically, Tigres has been a powerhouse on both sides of the ball:
- Offense: They have scored 16 goals, ranking third in the league.
- Defense: Their backline has been even more impressive, conceding only eight goals, the best defensive record in Liga MX.
However, Tigres is also dealing with key absences. Veteran French striker André-Pierre Gignac did not travel with the team due to a knee injury, and defender Juan Jose Purata is unavailable while serving a suspension for a red card.
A Tightly Contested History
This pivotal match was originally scheduled for Matchday 1 but was postponed due to extensive turf maintenance at Estadio Akron in preparation for its role as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. Recent history in this matchup heavily favors the visitors. In their last five meetings across all competitions, Tigres has won three, with the other two ending in draws. Chivas has not managed a victory against them in this period, and their last two encounters both finished as 1-1 stalemates.
Despite Tigres’ historical edge, prediction models indicated a close contest, with Chivas holding a slight advantage due to playing at home. The combination of key injuries for both sides and the dramatic weather delay adds further unpredictability to a clash with significant implications for the Apertura 2025 season.
