Atlas and Necaxa play out a goalless stalemate in International Club Friendly

In a tightly contested International Club Friendly at the Estadio Jalisco on July 5, 2026, Mexican Liga MX sides Atlas and Necaxa battled to a 0-0 draw. Neither side could find the back of the net in a match that served as a key preparation outing for both teams ahead of the upcoming domestic season.

Match Overview

The friendly was scheduled as part of both clubs’ preseason campaigns, providing valuable minutes for players to build fitness and tactical cohesion. A crowd of around 20,000 spectators witnessed a disciplined defensive display from both teams, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Atlas, under the guidance of head coach Marcos Gudiño, controlled possession for large stretches but struggled to break down a well-organized Necaxa backline.

Necaxa, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter-attack but lacked the final touch in the attacking third. The game’s tempo remained high throughout, reflecting the competitive nature of a typical Liga MX encounter despite the friendly label.

Tactical Story

Atlas set up in a 4-3-3 formation, looking to press high and recycle possession through the midfield trio. Ramiro González and Jorge Hernández dictated play from central areas, while wide forwards Damián Díaz and Luis Reyes attempted to stretch Necaxa’s compact defensive shape. However, the visitor’s 5-3-2 low block neutralized most crosses and through balls.

Necaxa, managed by Miguel Fuentes, relied on quick transitions. Carlos Aguilera and Emilio López led the line, but Atlas center-backs Gilberto García and Fernando Navarro dominated aerial duels and snuffed out the danger before it materialized. The result was a tactical chess match with few breakthroughs.

Key Moments

• 34th minute – Necaxa’s best chance: a low cross from the right found Carlos Aguilera at the near post, but his shot was parried away by Atlas goalkeeper José Antonio Rodríguez.
• 59th minute – Atlas’s closest effort: a curling free kick from Jorge Hernández forced a diving save from Necaxa keeper Gustavo Gutiérrez.
• 75th minute – Substitutions disrupted rhythm for both sides, with several fringe players introduced to gain game experience.

Standout Performers

José Antonio Rodríguez (Atlas) — The veteran shot-stopper made two important saves and commanded his area well, earning a well-deserved clean sheet.

Gustavo Gutiérrez (Necaxa) — Equally impressive, Gutiérrez’s reflexes kept Atlas at bay, particularly on the Hernández free kick.

Gilberto García (Atlas) — The center-back won nearly every challenge and provided a calming presence in defense.

Season Impact and Context

For Atlas, the draw extends an unbeaten preseason run that now includes three clean sheets. The side will look to sharpen its attacking edge before the Liga MX Apertura kicks off later this month. Necaxa, meanwhile, continues to solidify its defensive structure under Miguel Fuentes, who is implementing a counter-attacking identity.

Both teams will likely use this performance as a foundation for improvement. The 0-0 scoreline may not have thrilled neutrals, but it offered coaches valuable data on player fitness and system effectiveness.