Club Universidad Nacional hopes to keep the good vibes going in a midweek clash vs Queretaro. The Pumas will host in Mexico City after a forgivable away defeat to table-topping Club America. They have enjoyed a remarkable Apertura 2023 campaign after failing to qualify in both of the last two championships. Read on to learn more about Liga MX, Pumas UNAM standings, and the matchup on Wednesday.
- What: Pumas UNAM vs Queretaro, Liga MX Apertura
- When: October 4, 2023
- Time: 9 PM EST
- Where: Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico
- TV/Stream: FuboTV
Pumas UNAM vs Queretaro: Betting Odds from Top Sportsbooks
Pumas UNAM are favorites in this Mexico City encounter with a line of (-145). This implies that UNAM will win the match at a 59.2% clip. While bookmakers are split on the draw price, top online sportsbooks BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada all agree on a line of (+380) for the visiting side. To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our tips for soccer betting.
Liga MX: Los Cuatro Grandes and a Divided Season
Liga MX is similar to the Saudi Pro League and many other smaller soccer leagues across the world. These domestic competitions are typically dominated by a small group of elite clubs, who are the most popular, successful, and financially supported. In Mexico, these clubs are Club America, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM, with only Chivas located outside of the capital. They represent Los Cuatro Grandes and are well-respected across the globe.
The season is divided into two tournaments: Apertura and Clausura. Clubs compete in the league to earn qualification for the liguilla. So after one calendar year, two champions are crowned. This exciting format adds relevance to each game, with results more valuable than in other leagues whose seasons last from the fall to late spring.
Pumas UNAM Standings: QF Berth in the Making?
The tune has changed in the locker room of Club Universidad Nacional. Their years of bottom-dwelling misery may be in the past, as the Pumas now sit in 6th in the table. If the season were to end today, this position would be good for an automatic quarter final bid in the liguilla.
UNAM’s success comes seemingly out of nowhere. The club has failed to finish in the top 10 in any tournament since 2020. But this season, they began without a loss in their first 4 matches, and have yet to lose at home. A 1-0 loss to Club America last time out can be chalked up as a moral victory against the scorching hot Eagles.
Dark Days for Queretaro
A 5-0 demolishing at the hands of the defending champion Tigres may have acted as a wake-up call for Queretaro, who have now only lost once in their last 4 games. This loss, similar to Pumas, was to Club America. However, this recent stretch of decent results can be viewed as misleading. The White Roosters failed to secure all 3 points at home against bottom-of-the-table Puebla, as well as Leon last time out.
In fact, a 3-1 victory over a poor Cruz Azul side is their only multi-goal game since July 2. With a sputtering offense, low morale, and a lack of quality results, it is difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Queretaro is still operating under the shadow of a series of riots that took place in March of 2022. Reports dispute whether or not there were fatalities, but the club was banned from having attendees for a year and are still serving a 3-year supporters ban.
Pumas UNAM vs Queretaro H2H and Recent Games
The last time these two sides squared up was in the inaugural Leagues Cup, a midsummer North American tournament. Queretaro clinched a narrow 1-0 victory with a late score by Ángel Sepúlveda, despite the Pumas dominating possession and total shots.
Historically, this Liga MX fixture has been very tight. Over 36 matches, UNAM have won 12 to Queretaro’s 13. On the other 11 occasions the squads shared the spoils.
Free Pick, Prediction and How to Bet Match
UNAM continues to be overlooked by sportsbooks and bettors alike. Results have been very impressive over quality sides. An air of confidence when playing in front of their fans is unmistakable, and I do not believe the White Roosters can strike enough fear to penetrate it. This club is one of the Cuatro Grandes for a reason, after all.
In midweek matchups I usually lean towards the underdog for betting value, but I don’t see any on Queretaro here. Give me the Pumas with the juice at (-145) to win the match. I like these betting odds for the home team. Their early success is no fluke and they should be favored more than the current line.
It is important to be aware of the volatility of North American soccer leagues when betting on them, however. It is recommended to be conservative in your approach and stake less than you may typically. Lower-level competitions result in increased risk, so a half unit play is what I am going with here.
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