Puebla require an immediate response after their home defeat to Toluca and find it this Saturday against Atlante FC, the team sitting at the bottom of the table. The ninth round of the Liga MX Apertura presents a clear opportunity for La Franja to collect three points and solidify their place in the qualification zone.
Ricardo Gutiérrez's side fell 1-0 last weekend at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, a 69th-minute own goal from José Pachuca ending their positive run. That result leaves them eighth in the standings with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and three losses. The visit of Atlante, who arrive as the league's bottom side, is the ideal setting to get back on track.
Season context
Puebla's campaign has been inconsistent, with a neutral goal difference after scoring 10 and conceding 10. Their last win was on the road against Necaxa, with a stoppage-time goal from Mathías Tomás. Prior to that, they secured two thrilling 3-2 victories, first against Pachuca and then against Santos Laguna at home. That attacking potency will be key to overcoming a rival that has won only once in their last five outings.
The manager has a full squad available for this fixture, aside from long-term absentees. Forward E. Mustre, the team's top scorer with three goals, will be a key piece in the attack.
A victory against Atlante would allow Puebla to close in on the playoff spots and move past the disappointment of the Toluca loss. The match kicks off this Saturday, September 19th at 20:00 local time at the Cuauhtémoc.
