Necaxa (w) vs UNAM (w) on 22 January
The Women’s Liga MX is heating up as Necaxa (w) prepares to face UNAM (w) on January 22nd in what promises to be an exciting clash. Both teams are fighting for crucial points in the tournament, with Necaxa aiming to bounce back from a series of disappointing results, while UNAM looks to solidify their place in the upper echelons of the league. The match will take place at the Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, a venue where the home side will look to leverage their advantage. With both teams in desperate need of a win, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Necaxa (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Necaxa (w) has struggled with consistency this season, but they possess a tactical setup that can be dangerous if executed properly. In their last five matches, they have earned 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Their main tactic revolves around a solid defensive block and quick counter-attacks. The team frequently employs a 4-4-2 formation, using the wide areas to exploit the opposition’s full-backs while relying on long balls into the forward areas to catch opponents on the break. They average 44% possession but manage to create an impressive 1.6 xG per match, indicating that they are quite efficient in front of goal despite not dominating possession.
Key players like Diana González, who operates in the heart of midfield, are crucial for Necaxa’s transition play. She’s the engine, dictating tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. Their striker, Rocío Ríos, is another player to watch; she has been in good form, scoring in 3 of their last 5 matches. However, Necaxa is dealing with some injury issues, particularly in defense, where both starting center-backs are sidelined. This could leave them vulnerable to UNAM’s attacking threat.
UNAM (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
UNAM (w), on the other hand, has shown great promise with a string of impressive performances. They have won 4 of their last 5 matches, with 1 loss. They typically set up in a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing high pressing and a fluid attacking style. They are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, with an average of 2.4 goals per match, largely due to their dominance in the final third, where they average over 50% possession and create 2.3 xG per game. UNAM’s pressing system forces turnovers high up the pitch, which leads to quick transitions into attack.
Midfielder Liliana Rodríguez has been the key to their creative success, pulling the strings in midfield with her vision and passing range. Up front, María Rodríguez has been the standout player, contributing 5 goals in their last 5 games. UNAM also benefits from having a fully fit squad, with no major injuries or suspensions, which allows them to field their strongest lineup. Their main challenge in this match will be breaking down Necaxa’s deep defensive block and ensuring they remain compact at the back to avoid being caught on the counter.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last 5 encounters, the head-to-head record between these two teams has been fairly even, with both sides securing 2 wins and 1 draw. However, in the most recent match, UNAM ran out 3-1 winners, showing that they have the upper hand in recent meetings. Necaxa, though, has shown the ability to rise to the occasion in big matches, and they’ll be looking to change the narrative here. Historically, matches between these two have been intense, with both teams favoring direct styles of play, making it a fixture that is often decided by individual moments of brilliance.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key battles in this match will be between Necaxa's full-backs and UNAM’s wingers. Necaxa will have to be disciplined in defense, especially as UNAM’s wide players, including María Rodríguez, are known for their pace and skill. The battle in the midfield will also be crucial; Necaxa’s Diana González will need to hold her own against the dynamic and creative Liliana Rodríguez, who has the ability to unlock defenses with her vision. The winner of these duels will likely dictate the flow of the game.
The critical zone for Necaxa will be their defensive third, where they must hold firm against UNAM’s high pressing and quick transitions. If Necaxa can withstand the pressure and break forward quickly, they could exploit UNAM’s tendency to push numbers forward. For UNAM, the central defensive pairing will need to remain composed and avoid being caught off-guard by Necaxa’s counter-attacks.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely see a contrast in styles. Necaxa will look to defend in numbers and hit on the counter, while UNAM will dominate possession and press high up the field. The early stages will likely see UNAM control the tempo, but Necaxa’s ability to break quickly could cause problems for UNAM’s defense. Given the form of both teams and their current tactical setups, UNAM will be the favorites to win this clash, but it will not be a straightforward victory.
Prediction: UNAM to win 2-1, with both teams likely scoring. Expect a high-intensity match, with plenty of attacking opportunities and the game being decided by small margins.
Final Thoughts
This match will test Necaxa’s ability to handle the pressure from UNAM’s high pressing and attacking quality. For UNAM, it’s a chance to prove that their dominance in the league is no fluke. The key question that will be answered here is whether Necaxa’s defense can hold up against one of the most potent attacking forces in the Women’s Liga MX. Will Necaxa’s counter-attacks be enough to exploit UNAM’s defensive weaknesses, or will UNAM continue their march towards the top of the table?
