Mazatlan FC vs Queretaro FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, April 18th
Mazatlán FC will host Querétaro FC at the Estadio El Encanto in a Liga MX clash on Saturday, April 18th. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league standings. Mazatlán FC, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure vital points. Meanwhile, Querétaro FC will be eager to upset the hosts and improve their position in the league.
The Estadio El Encanto will provide the backdrop for what promises to be an intriguing encounter between these two Mexican sides. With both teams eyeing a win, this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns in the Liga MX. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it’s clear that both Mazatlán FC and Querétaro FC have a lot at stake in this fixture.
Mazatlan FC vs Queretaro FC Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Querétaro FC +0.50 (Asian Handicap) | 1.61 |
Looking at the current form and statistics, placing a bet on Querétaro FC to win seems like a smart choice. They have been particularly strong in attack and have shown consistent performance lately, making them a solid bet for this match.
- Mazatlán FC have not won in 4 consecutive matches in this competition, indicating a poor run of form.
- Querétaro FC have shown they can score late in matches, particularly in the 76-90 minute interval.
- Mazatlán FC have scored in every home game this season, but their inability to secure wins suggests defensive vulnerabilities that Querétaro FC can exploit.
Betting Odds
Mazatlán FC are playing at home, but the betting odds suggest a closely matched contest against Querétaro FC. With Mazatlán FC at 2.59 and Querétaro FC at 2.48, the bookmakers are indicating a tight affair. The draw at 3.39 offers a tempting option for those expecting a stalemate.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mazatlán FC to win | 2.59 |
| Draw | 3.39 |
| Querétaro FC to win | 2.48 |
For those looking to place a bet, both teams have shown potential in recent matches, making the over 2.5 goals market an interesting proposition. Keep an eye on the form of both sides as they head into this Liga MX clash.
Mazatlan FC Analysis & Past Performance
Mazatlán FC’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches, alongside three losses and one draw. Their performance analysis indicates a team struggling to find rhythm, as evidenced by their 1-3 defeat against Club Universidad Nacional. They have scored 7 goals and conceded 10 in this period, averaging 1.40 goals scored and 2.00 goals conceded per game.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Universidad Nacional | Mazatlán FC | 3 – 1 (Loss) | Liga MX Clausura | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Necaxa | Mazatlán FC | 2 – 1 (Loss) | Liga MX Clausura | 4 Apr 2026 |
| Mazatlán FC | Cruz Azul | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Liga MX Clausura | 21 Mar 2026 |
| CF América | Mazatlán FC | 2 – 0 (Loss) | Liga MX Clausura | 16 Mar 2026 |
| Mazatlán FC | León | 4 – 2 (Win) | Liga MX Clausura | 7 Mar 2026 |
Recent Form:
- LLDLW
Mazatlán FC has managed to score in 4 out of their last 5 games, yet a lack of clean sheets highlights defensive vulnerabilities. Their most recent home performances show a slightly better win ratio of 0.40 compared to their overall 0.20 win ratio, indicating a relative strength at Estadio El Encanto. However, their inability to maintain defensive solidity is concerning, failing to keep a single clean sheet in five recent matches.
Mazatlan FC Suspensions & Injuries
Mazatlán FC faces some concerns with injuries as they prepare for the match against Querétaro FC. Christopher Castro, Jordan Sierra, and Omar Moreno are all doubtful due to knock and ankle injuries. This uncertainty could affect the team’s midfield dynamics, especially considering Sierra’s role in linking defence to attack. The absence of these players might require significant tactical adjustments from coach Sergio Bueno.
With Sierra potentially unavailable, Mazatlán FC may need to rely on the likes of Yoel Bárcenas or Mauro Zaleta to step up in the midfield. This could lead to a reshuffling of positions to maintain balance, possibly impacting their usual fluidity in transitioning the ball.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Castro | knock | Doubtful |
| Jordan Sierra | knock | Doubtful |
| Omar Moreno | ankle injury | Doubtful |
The potential unavailability of key midfielders could influence betting markets, as Mazatlán FC might be seen as less stable in controlling the middle of the park. This may alter expectations regarding their ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, making the match outcome more unpredictable.
Mazatlan FC Key Players
Mazatlán FC’s attacking prowess heavily relies on their top scorer, Josué Ovalle, who has netted 5 goals this season. Ovalle’s dynamic playing style, characterised by his pace and clinical finishing, makes him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. His ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses will be crucial against Querétaro FC.
In the midfield, Édgar Yoel Bárcenas stands out as a key player due to his versatility and vision. His role in orchestrating the play and linking the defence with the attack will be pivotal. Alongside him, Sebastián Santos brings energy and tenacity, often breaking up opposition plays and initiating counter-attacks. Defensively, the partnership of Facundo Almada and Lucas Merolla is vital for maintaining stability at the back, with their aerial dominance and tackling ability being crucial to thwarting Querétaro’s advances.
Expected lineup for Mazatlán FC
- Goalkeeper: Ricardo Rodríguez Mazzocco
- Defence: Facundo Almada, Lucas Merolla, Jair Díaz
- Midfield: Sebastián Santos, Édgar Yoel Bárcenas, Said Godínez, Mauro Zaleta, Dudu Teodora, Josué Ovalle
- Forward: Brian Rubio
Mazatlan FC Tactics and Formation
Mazatlán FC Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Typically a 4-5-1
- Key Forward: Brian Rubio
- Midfield Engine: Yoel Bárcenas and Mauro Zaleta
- Defensive Concerns: Conceded 10 goals in the last five matches
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick counterattacks.
Mazatlán FC usually sets up in a 4-5-1 formation that aims to provide a solid defensive structure while allowing flexibility in attack. The midfield, led by Yoel Bárcenas and Mauro Zaleta, is crucial for both defensive support and initiating counterattacks, which are a significant part of their strategy.
Defensively, the backline anchored by Lucas Merolla and Facundo Almada has struggled recently, conceding 10 goals in their last five matches. This highlights their vulnerability at the back, especially against teams that can exploit wide areas.
Offensively, Mazatlán FC relies heavily on Brian Rubio as the lone forward. He is supported by a dynamic midfield that excels in high pressing and rapid transitions. This approach has proven effective in creating scoring opportunities, although maintaining clean sheets remains a challenge.
Queretaro FC Analysis & Past Performance
Querétaro FC has demonstrated a mixed bag of performances in recent matches. Their last five outings have resulted in two wins and three draws, showing a commendable unbeaten streak. Notably, they secured victories against Necaxa with a 3-1 scoreline and against Toluca 1-0, which highlights their capability to perform under pressure at home.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Querétaro FC | Necaxa | 3 – 1 (Win) | Liga MX Clausura | 11 Apr, 2026 |
| Querétaro FC | FC Juárez | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Liga MX Clausura | 8 Apr, 2026 |
| Querétaro FC | Toluca | 1 – 0 (Win) | Liga MX Clausura | 4 Apr, 2026 |
| Atlas | Querétaro FC | 0 – 0 (Draw) | Liga MX Clausura | 21 Mar, 2026 |
| Tigres | Querétaro FC | 0 – 0 (Draw) | Liga MX Clausura | 15 Mar, 2026 |
Recent Form:
- WDWDD
In terms of goal-scoring, Querétaro FC averages 1.00 goals per match over their last five games, with a solid defensive record, conceding only 0.40 goals on average. They have managed to keep three clean sheets in these fixtures. However, their away form remains a concern, with no wins in the last five away games, drawing two and losing three. Despite this, their defensive resilience away from home, demonstrated by two clean sheets, is worth noting.
Queretaro FC Suspensions & Injuries
Querétaro FC faces a challenging situation with several key players potentially unavailable for their upcoming match against Mazatlán FC. Federico Lértora, a crucial player in midfield, is currently battling a calf injury, while Omar Israel Mendoza is struggling with a foot injury. Both are listed as doubtful, which could significantly impact Querétaro’s defensive and midfield solidity.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Federico Lértora | calf injury | Doubtful |
| Omar Israel Mendoza | foot injury | Doubtful |
| Jhojan Julio | knock | Doubtful |
Jhojan Julio, who has been instrumental in the midfield, is also doubtful due to a knock injury. His absence would force a tactical reshuffle, possibly seeing Santiago Homenchenko or Jean Unjanque stepping into more prominent roles to fill the creative void left by Julio.
These injuries might compel coach Esteban González to adjust his formation, potentially opting for a more conservative setup to mitigate the loss of these key players. The lack of depth could also influence betting markets, as Querétaro FC’s chances of securing a favourable result might be perceived as diminished due to these absences.
Queretaro FC Key Players
Querétaro FC will be relying heavily on the prowess of Mateo Coronel, their top scorer this season with 5 goals. Coronel’s ability to find the back of the net from various positions makes him a constant threat to Mazatlán FC’s defence. His agility and quick decision-making in the final third are pivotal to Querétaro’s attacking strategy. Partnering him upfront is Alí Ávila, whose physical presence complements Coronel’s finesse.
In midfield, Santiago Homenchenko’s role as a playmaker will be crucial. His vision and passing accuracy can unlock defences, providing key opportunities for the forwards. Defensively, the pairing of Diego Reyes and Lucas Abascia will be tasked with keeping the backline solid against Mazatlán’s attacking threats. Their experience and defensive awareness are vital to Querétaro’s tactical setup.
Expected lineup for Querétaro FC
- Goalkeeper: José Hernández
- Defenders: Bayron Duarte, Diego Reyes, Lucas Abascia, Daniel Parra
- Midfielders: Jean Unjanque, Santiago Homenchenko, Carlo García, Francisco Venegas
- Forwards: Mateo Coronel, Alí Ávila
Queretaro FC Tactics and Formation
Querétaro FC Tactical Breakdown:
- Recent Formation: Likely 4-1-4-1
- Key Forward: Alí Ávila
- Midfield Engine: Santiago Homenchenko and Jhojan Julio
- Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Controlled possession play with emphasis on midfield dominance.
Querétaro FC has recently favoured a 4-1-4-1 formation, providing a robust midfield presence and defensive stability. Santiago Homenchenko and Jhojan Julio are pivotal in midfield, responsible for maintaining possession and facilitating transitions from defence to attack.
Defensively, the backline, including Bayron Duarte and Lucas Abascia, has been resilient, contributing to the team’s impressive record of three clean sheets in their last five matches. This defensive setup allows them to absorb pressure effectively while maintaining a disciplined structure.
Offensively, Querétaro relies on Alí Ávila as the primary striker, supported by the creative input from midfielders like Jean Unjanque and Mateo Coronel. Their strategy often revolves around patient build-up play, seeking to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence through well-timed runs and incisive passes.
Mazatlan FC vs Queretaro FC H2H Record
Mazatlán FC and Querétaro FC have faced off 11 times, with Mazatlán winning 4, Querétaro taking 3, and 4 matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter saw Querétaro edge out a 1-0 victory in the Liga MX Apertura last November.
The last time Mazatlán hosted Querétaro, the match ended in a 2-2 draw during the 2024 Liga MX Apertura. Historically, Mazatlán have been strong at home, scoring 15 goals in total against Querétaro’s 10 across all meetings.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Querétaro FC | Mazatlán FC | 1 – 0 | Liga MX Opening | 2025-11-02 |
| Querétaro FC | Mazatlán FC | 1 – 0 | Liga MX Closing | 2025-03-15 |
| Mazatlán FC | Querétaro FC | 2 – 2 | Liga MX Opening | 2024-10-05 |
| Querétaro FC | Mazatlán FC | 0 – 2 | Liga MX Closing | 2024-04-13 |
| Mazatlán FC | Querétaro FC | 3 – 0 | Liga MX Opening | 2023-10-28 |
