Two matches close the fifth round of the Apertura 2025 on Sunday, highlighted by the return of Diego Cocca to Atlas and Monterrey’s bid to keep momentum going.
Atlas vs Querétaro, 16:00, Estadio Corregidora
Diego Cocca begins his second stint in charge of the Rojinegros with a visit to Gallos Blancos de Querétaro. Cocca, who previously led Atlas to a Liga MX title, returns to a club hoping to rebound after a difficult start to the season. Atlas sits with four points from 12 and will be looking to make an immediate impact, aiming to climb the table and push for a playoff spot.
Querétaro, meanwhile, is under pressure under coach Benjamín Mora. The club sits at the bottom of the table with zero points after four straight defeats, and Mora’s job could hinge on this result as the team seeks its first win of the campaign. The 2023–24 Liga MX champion Atlas also had seen coaching changes in the recent past, making Mora’s position particularly precarious if results do not improve.
Rayados vs Mazatlán, 18:00, Estadio BBVA
In Monterrey, Rayados host Mazatlán as they look to extend their rising form. Under Spanish coach Domènec Torrent, Monterrey has rebounded well this season after an opening defeat to Pachuca, rattling off wins against San Luis, Atlas and León. If they can maintain their momentum, Rayados would solidify a place near the top of the table.
Mazatlán, led by Uruguayan coach Robert Dante Siboldi, has built a well-organized side that remains short on depth. While the Cañoneros face a tall task away from home, their disciplined approach makes them a tough matchup in difficult venues.
What to watch
– Atlas aims to capitalize on Cocca’s return and start moving up the table, while Querétaro seeks its first points of the season and to avoid a coaching shakeup.
– Monterrey eyes another win to stay among the league’s top teams; Mazatlán will try to frustrate the hosts and pull off a surprise.
Summary
The weekend pairing sets the stage for a pivotal weekend: Atlas tries to restart its season under a familiar title-winning coach, Querétaro fights for footing under pressure, and Monterrey continues its push for a high finish as Mazatlán hunts an upset away from home. These results could shape the early-middle stretch of Apertura 2025 as teams jockey for position. Positive momentum and strategic decisions in these matches could define the next phase of the campaign for both the aspiring contenders and the teams fighting to climb off the bottom.