Queretaro (w) vs Mazatlan (w) on 9 February
On February 9, 2026, Queretaro (w) and Mazatlan (w) will face off in an exhilarating encounter in the Women’s Liga MX, where both teams are desperate for points to secure their respective positions in the league table. Queretaro will aim to strengthen their grip on mid-table safety, while Mazatlan will be looking to leapfrog their opponents and push toward the upper half of the table. The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both sides having their own set of strengths and weaknesses that could shape the outcome. Kickoff is set for 20:00 (local time) at the Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro, Mexico. The weather is expected to be clear, with mild temperatures, perfect for football. The stakes couldn't be higher, with momentum and confidence on the line.
Queretaro (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Queretaro's recent form has been solid, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their attacking play has been clinical, with a strong focus on possession and quick transitions. They prefer to build from the back, with their defense playing a key role in moving the ball through the thirds. Their 4-3-3 formation often sees the central midfielders drop deep to support the defenders, allowing the wingers to push high and wide in attack.
In their previous matches, Queretaro averaged 58% possession, but it is their efficiency in the final third that has been their standout feature. They are averaging 10 shots on target per match, with a conversion rate of 12%. Their pressing in the attacking third has been a feature of their play, often forcing opposition defenses into making mistakes. With a pass accuracy of 85%, they have demonstrated their ability to control the game, but they have been vulnerable at times on set pieces, conceding 4 goals from dead-ball situations in the last 5 games.
Key Player: Ana Garcia – The midfield engine for Queretaro, Garcia has been exceptional in breaking up opposition play and transitioning the ball forward. With 3 assists in the last 5 matches, her vision and passing range will be pivotal in dictating the tempo of the game. However, Queretaro will be without their leading scorer, Maria Ruiz, who is suspended due to a red card in their last match. Ruiz’s absence could prove costly, as she has scored 5 goals in the last 5 matches, contributing significantly to their attacking play.
Mazatlan (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Mazatlan (w) comes into this fixture with a mixed run of form, having won two, drawn two, and lost one of their last five encounters. Their tactical setup has been based on a compact 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and swift counter-attacks. They rely on the pace of their wingers to exploit space on the break, with their forwards often running off the shoulder of the last defender to capitalize on through balls.
With 50% possession on average in their last 5 games, Mazatlan has been content to sit deeper and soak up pressure, looking to hit teams on the counter. Their pressing game has been more conservative, and they are currently averaging only 8 shots on target per match, with a conversion rate of 9%. Mazatlan's strength lies in their ability to disrupt opposition build-up play, with their midfielders pressing high and limiting passing lanes in the central areas. However, their defense has shown cracks, particularly when faced with quick, high-pressing attacks, which Queretaro is likely to employ.
Key Player: Camila Rodriguez – The creative spark for Mazatlan, Rodriguez is instrumental in orchestrating attacks and providing key passes into the final third. She has 2 assists and 1 goal in the last 5 matches, with her passing range crucial to Mazatlan’s counter-attacking style. However, Mazatlan's defensive unit has been disrupted recently by injuries to center-back Andrea Vargas and left-back Laura Perez. Their absence has meant a reshuffle in defense, which may leave gaps for Queretaro to exploit.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The historical encounters between Queretaro (w) and Mazatlan (w) have been tightly contested, with Queretaro having a slight edge in their previous 5 meetings, winning 2 and drawing 2. The most recent match, played in Mazatlan, ended in a goalless draw, with both teams cancelling each other out tactically. However, in the two matches before that, Queretaro won 2-1 at home, largely due to their more aggressive pressing game and sharper finishing in the final third.
Psychologically, Queretaro will feel confident playing at home, where they have won 4 out of their last 5 fixtures. Mazatlan, on the other hand, will need to overcome the pressure of their defensive vulnerabilities, especially with key injuries at the back. Their lack of consistency on the road, having won just 1 out of their last 5 away games, makes this encounter particularly challenging for them.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle in this match will be the contest between the two teams' midfield engines. For Queretaro, Ana Garcia will need to dominate the midfield battle against Mazatlan’s Camila Rodriguez, who will be crucial in linking play for the visitors. Garcia’s ability to break up Rodriguez’s rhythm and prevent her from dictating the tempo will be critical for Queretaro’s control of the game.
Another pivotal area will be Queretaro’s wide play against Mazatlan’s defensive flanks. With the absence of Laura Perez, Queretaro’s wingers, particularly Carla Lopez, will look to exploit the space left by the makeshift left-back. Mazatlan’s defensive organization will be tested by the dynamic runs and pace of Queretaro’s attackers, and how well they adapt will likely decide the outcome.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this match is that Queretaro will look to impose themselves from the first whistle, using their home advantage to dictate possession and press Mazatlan high up the pitch. Without their main goal-scorer, Queretaro may struggle to convert chances, but their well-oiled midfield and dynamic wing play should provide enough opportunities. Mazatlan will likely sit deeper and look to counter-attack, exploiting the pace of Rodriguez and hoping to catch Queretaro on the break.
In terms of key metrics, Queretaro is likely to dominate possession, with an expected 55-60% ball retention, while Mazatlan will focus on limiting Queretaro’s chances in the final third. Expect a game with fewer shots on target from Mazatlan, but with a greater focus on defensive discipline. Queretaro’s pressing game could lead to at least one forced mistake in Mazatlan’s defense, which they will need to capitalize on.
Prediction: Queretaro 2-1 Mazatlan (w) – A tight, tactical encounter, but Queretaro’s superior pressing game and home advantage should see them edge this one. Key metrics to watch: xG for both teams, pressing actions, and possession in the final third.
Final Thoughts
This match will test the resilience of Mazatlan’s defense and the ability of Queretaro to adjust their attacking game in the absence of Ruiz. Can Queretaro’s midfield domination translate into goals, or will Mazatlan’s counter-attacks exploit their defensive gaps? With both teams needing points for different reasons, this clash is sure to deliver high drama.
Which team will step up and seize the moment? The game will offer answers to that very question.
