Last Updated on December 1, 2023 2:49 pm by Erwin Noguera
One of the most important series of the Liga MX postseason will be defined between Pumas and Chivas for a place in the semifinals of the Apertura 2023. The opponent will come out of the series between Tigres and Puebla.
The first leg was played in Guadalajara and ended in a 1-0 win for the local team, thanks to a conversion by midfielder Fernando Beltrán.
Both teams know that the difference is short, and the position in the regular season table is the tie-breaker criteria at this stage, so everything is still in the air.
When:
Sunday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. ET at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Moneyline odds:
Pumas +120
Chivas +185
Draw Offs:
+240
Where Can I Watch?
Why Bet on Pumas?
Pumas arrived at the Liga MX Apertura 2023 playoffs in a good moment, having gone three games without losing and finishing in fourth place with 28 points, scoring a good 27 goals.
However, they lost the first leg of this series 1-0 to Chivas, thanks to a goal by midfielder Fernando Beltrán in the 43rd minute of the first half. The conversion was an accumulation of errors by the ‘Felinos’, who gave the ball away at the start, lost marks in the midfield, and left all the space for the rival to score a mid-distance strike that beat goalkeeper Julio González.
It was not one of the best nights for Antonio Mohamed’s team, as they could only manage two shots on goal. Despite having their attacking quartet, this did not translate into much danger for the rival defense.
Nevertheless, Pumas are a strong team at home. They have only lost two of their last ten games in all competitions at their home ground and have taken points against strong opponents such as Toluca, Tigres, Atlético San Luis, and Chivas themselves.
But if there is an aspect that makes us believe in the ‘Universitarios’ comeback, it’s they have César Huerta, one of the best scorers in Liga MX. His eight goals are a guarantee for the team.
While waiting for Mohamed to count on midfielder José Luis Caicedo, who has been injured for several months, the rest of the squad is available.
Why Bet on Chivas?
Chivas still have blood in their eyes after losing the first semester’s final to Tigres, which is why they are in pursuit of their 13th title, which would serve to equal América at the top of the list of Mexico’s most successful champions.
The first leg of this series was won 1-0 against Pumas, with a good offensive performance, as they shot eight times between the sticks. The main problem was the team’s lack of effectiveness in increasing the score.
The Guadalajara team will be looking to use their hierarchy as a giant team to overcome a tough match because the current situation does not favor them so much. Of all the qualified teams, they are the worst scorers (22 goals,) and don’t have a secure defense (22 goals conceded).
In addition, it was not a great visitor, taking only 11 points out of a possible 24. They only scored nine goals away from the Akron Stadium.
Roberto Alvarado is the most accurate player scoring-wise for the ‘Rebaño,’ with six goals and one assist. He is followed by Ricardo Marín with four and Beltrán with three. Undoubtedly, the low level of Alexis Vega, in addition to his absence due to indiscipline, has been a problem throughout the semester for this squad.
Carlos Cisneros and José Macías are certain absentees for Chivas, while defender Gilberto Sepúlveda may be unavailable due to physical discomfort.
Final Betting Analysis: Pumas vs. Chivas
Chivas arrive in the Mexican capital with a one-goal advantage, but Pumas are a stronger team, and their offense usually responds at home. That is why they will take the victory and the ticket to the semifinals. Go for a 2-1
The numbers at MyBookie.ag have Pumas as the favorites. The Moneyline for them shows +120, while Chivas have +185, and the draw is at +240.
The last time these teams played at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, the win was 1-0 for the ‘feline’ team.
Go for a win in Pumas’ Moneyline. If you bet $100 at +120, you will gain $120 for a total payout of $220.
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