Atlas (home)
- El Rojinegro finished a disappointing 14th in Apertura 2025 with 17 points, which was only slightly better than Puebla’s woeful 18th-place and 12-point return.
- Yet Atlas boss Diego Cocca has instilled more structure and solidity to their wide play since returning to the club in August 2025, while Puebla are under new management and look to have made some shrewd new signings.
- Atlas have won their last three friendly matches, beating Necaxa 5-3, Leones Negros 3-1 and Tepatitlán 3-2 in late December 2025, and drew 0-0 with Guadalajara.
Puebla (away)
- Puebla will have more tempo and energy to their play with youthful wingers and a more progressive attacking setup under new coach Albert Espigares.
- Puebla coach Albert Espigares is one of Mexican soccer’s bright young things, having recently been promoted from the youth setup to lead the first team in Clausura 2026.
Head-to-Head
Atlas have won their last three matches against Puebla in Liga MX, winning 3-2 away in July 2025 and 3-2 at home in February 2025.
Key Players
- Veteran Costa Rican goalkeeper Camilo Vargas provides leadership and is a superb shot-stopper, which could be crucial if the defence are not yet up to speed as a new unit.
- Uroš Đurđević will again be Atlas’ main goal threat as he was last season, while Mateo García and Gustavo Ferrareis can provide creative spark and goals from midfield.
- Emiliano Gómez, the latest signing, is a talented youngster that will have to provide the goals and assists that Lucas Cavallini would have, given the striker is injured.
- Esteban Lozano is a young, promising forward who can get in behind and cause problems, but his team-mates will need to supply him with enough service.
Betting Insights
- CF Atlas Guadalajara are slight favorites for Saturday’s Liga MX Clausura 2026 opener at home to Puebla, with Atlas at 2.18, the visitors at 3.23 and the draw at 3.28.
- We’re backing the Over 2.5 goals bet here at 1.89 because both teams can score on Saturday, although Atlas will surely win it.
Prediction
Their three recent wins against Puebla give them a mental edge, but the visitors have a new coach, new players and a fresh approach so a close game with goals at both ends is expected - 2-1 to Atlas or 2-2 are both possibilities.
