Pachuca vs Pumas UNAM kicks off a crucial Liga MX playoff battle on Nov. 21. The high-stakes Play-In match features two teams separated by just 1 point in the standings. This winner-take-all showdown determines who advances to the next round. Fans across the US can watch on TUDN and DirecTV.
Arizona State basketball faces undefeated Hawaii in crucial Nov. 21 matchup
Best defense in NFL 2025: Texans lead with 258.1 yards allowed per game, historic season
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Estadio Miguel Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico
- Event: Liga MX Apertura Play-In (teams ranked #9 vs #10)
- TV Channels: TUDN (Channel 464) and DirecTV
- Stakes: Winner advances; loser is eliminated from playoffs
What You Need to Know
Pachuca enters this elimination match as the slight favorite, sitting in 9th place with 22 points. The home team holds a one-point edge over Pumas UNAM, who sit 10th with 21 points. This single-elimination format means there are no second chances. The winner faces the 8th place team in the next round. Pachuca’s home advantage at their historic stadium adds pressure, but nothing beats the drive to survive.
Woody Marks suffers leg injury in third quarter vs Bills, uncertain status
Liga MX Femenil: Club América faces Tigres in championship final, both seeking Apertura crown
Pumas come as dangerous underdogs. The UNAM-based squad known for attracting elite talent has a winning tradition in Liga MX. Head-to-head history favors Pachuca, who own 17 victories in 57 all-time meetings versus Pumas’ 16 wins and 24 draws. The teams have split their recent matchups with intense rivalry matches.
How to Watch Pachuca vs Pumas UNAM
| Broadcasting Option | Details |
|---|---|
| TUDN | Channel 464 on TV; primary Spanish-language broadcaster |
| DirecTV | Satellite TV service; TUDN feed included |
| DirecTV Stream | Online streaming app; requires active subscription |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM MT / 5:00 PM PT |
The match airs live on TUDN, the primary Spanish-language sports network in the US. If you have cable TV or satellite, tune to TUDN Channel 464. Those with DirecTV satellite service get automatic access. For cord-cutters, the DirecTV Stream app provides streaming access with a valid subscription. Download the app to your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Match Preview and Playoff Expectations
Both clubs need this win desperately. Pachuca held fourth place earlier in the season but faltered down the stretch. Recent form matters heavily in playoffs, and both teams show inconsistency. Statistics reveal Pachuca averages better possession control and shooting accuracy. Pumas rely on counter-attacks and set pieces to generate scoring chances.
Key matchups to watch: Which midfield dominates possession? Can Pachuca‘s strikers finish their chances? Will Pumas’ defense hold firm under home-field pressure? The team that controls the first 20 minutes typically sets the tone. Early aggression from either side could shake the opponents’ confidence heading into halftime.
Why This Match Matters
This isn’t regular season soccer—this is elimination soccer. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The loser goes home. The winner advances to face a stronger opponent in the next Liga MX playoff round. For city pride, for the fans, for the players’ legacies, this match determines whose season continues and whose ends.
Both Pachuca and Pumas UNAM invested heavily to compete for a championship. Neither wants their season to end at this stage. The pressure creates drama, intensity, and the kind of soccer Mexico’s fans crave. Every tackle matters. Every shot could be decisive. This is why Liga MX playoffs draw millions of viewers.
Everything You Need to Manage Your Evening
- Kickoff is 8:00 PM ET on November 21
- Arrive early for pre-match analysis on TUDN
- Have snacks ready—playoff soccer demands full attention
- Check internet speeds if streaming via DirecTV Stream
- Follow social media for live updates and goals
- Plan your celebration: One team celebrates advancement, the other grieves elimination
Who Wins This Playoff Battle?
Predicting playoff upsets remains one of sports’ great unknowns. Pachuca enjoys home advantage and recent momentum. Yet Pumas enter with playoff experience and nothing to lose—that’s when underdogs strike hardest. The experts lean slightly toward Pachuca’s home field advantage, but in single-elimination tournaments, anything happens. Both goalkeepers will be tested. Both defenses must stay sharp for 90 minutes.
Will you watch Pachuca battle Pumas UNAM for their playoff lives? Set your reminder, grab your TUDN or DirecTV remote, and prepare for Mexican soccer at its finest.
Sources
- DIRECTV – Official broadcast schedule and channel information
- Goal.com – Match preview and streaming availability details
- World Soccer Talk – TUDN and DirecTV Stream soccer programming
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.