Club Universidad Nacional vs. Atlas Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 31 August 2025

Get ready for an intriguing clash in Liga MX as Club Universidad Nacional takes on Atlas on 31st August 2025 at the Olimpico Universitario. With both teams struggling for form in the bottom half of the table, this encounter adds a touch of importance to their quest for climbing the standings.

Club Universidad Nacional, sitting 13th with 6 points, slightly favours in the bookmakers’ eyes. Recent results show a mixed bag, with only one win in their last five matches. Their top scorer, Jorge Ruvalcaba, will be key, netting three goals already this season. Pumas will miss Ruben Duarte due to suspension and will hope their defensive setup, led by Keylor Navas, holds firm.

Atlas, positioned 15th with 5 points, have had a tough go recently, winless in five matches. They have defensive woes, conceding 3 goals on average, with Uros Djurdjevic leading the attack.

Given both sides’ defensive frailties and Atlas’s tendency for high-scoring encounters, our recommended bet is "Over 2.5 goals". Expect an open contest with plenty of scoring opportunities on display.

Club Universidad Nacional vs Atlas Prediction & Betting Tip

For the upcoming Liga MX clash between Club Universidad Nacional and Atlas, our recommended betting tip is "Over 2.5 goals". This prediction stems from the attacking and defensive trends seen from both squads in recent matches. Atlas has regularly been involved in high-scoring games, with an average of five goals per game, making this an attractive betting option.

Club Universidad Nacional vs Atlas Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Over 2.5 goals	1.82

• Atlas’s matches typically result in high scoring, averaging five goals per game.
• Previous meetings have shown a propensity for goals, with three of the last five games surpassing 2.5 goals.
• Both teams have defensive weaknesses, with Atlas conceding three goals per game and Club Universidad Nacional averaging just over a goal conceded per match.

Expect plenty of scoring opportunities and an open game, making the "Over 2.5 goals" bet a solid choice for this encounter.

Club Universidad Nacional vs Atlas Odds

The upcoming Liga MX clash between Club Universidad Nacional and Atlas presents interesting betting opportunities, given the teams’ recent form and standings. The odds reflect Club Universidad Nacional’s slight edge as favourites, despite their inconsistent run.

Club Universidad Nacional vs Atlas Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Club Universidad Nacional	1.82
Draw	3.55
Atlas	3.98

Club Universidad Nacional, sitting 13th in the league, are favoured primarily due to their marginally better performance and home advantage at the Olimpico Universitario. They have scored 1.20 goals per game on average in recent matches, while Atlas, positioned 15th, have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding an average of three goals per game.

Betting on a draw or an away win offers higher returns but comes with increased risk due to Atlas’s winless streak in their last five encounters. However, Atlas’s tendency for high-scoring matches also makes bets on goals an attractive option.

Club Universidad Nacional Team Analysis

Club Universidad Nacional Recent Performance

Club Universidad Nacional’s recent run has been a mix of disappointing results and solid performances. Their last five matches include:

• 0-0 vs Puebla (Home)
• 1-1 vs Toluca (Away)
• 1-1 vs Necaxa (Home)
• 1-3 vs Inter Miami CF (Away, Leagues Cup)
• 3-2 vs Atlanta United (Home, Leagues Cup)

Recent form: WLDDD

The team has averaged 1.2 goals per game in their last five matches, demonstrating some offensive capability. However, with only one clean sheet in this period, their defense remains a concern.

Their current position, 13th in Liga MX with 6 points, underscores the need for improving both attack and defense to move up the standings. The suspension of Ruben Duarte and goalie Keylor Navas’s leadership at the back will be crucial for them.

Key Players

Club Universidad Nacional’s key players significantly influence their performance. Top scorer Jorge Ruvalcaba, with three goals this season, is a crucial offensive asset. His ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities could be pivotal against Atlas.

In goal, Keylor Navas brings experience and leadership to the backline, crucial given their defensive record. The suspension of Ruben Duarte means Ángel Azuaje will need to step up in the defensive line alongside Nathan Silva.

The midfield battle will be interesting, with Piero Quispe and Adalberto Carrasquilla tasked with controlling the game and linking up play. This creates a key individual battle with Atlas’s midfield.

Expected lineup for Club Universidad Nacional:

• Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas
• Defenders: Pablo Bennevendo, Nathan Silva, Ángel Azuaje, Alvaro Angulo
• Midfielders: Adalberto Carrasquilla, Piero Quispe, Pedro Vite, Santiago Trigos, Jorge Ruvalcaba
• Forward: Guillermo Martinez Ayala

Their performance will be crucial in securing a positive result in this tightly contested match.

Suspensions & Injuries

Club Universidad Nacional faces a few challenges ahead of their clash with Atlas due to suspensions and injuries. Key defender Ruben Duarte is suspended for this match after accumulating too many yellow cards, which could weaken their defensive stability. Ángel Azuaje is expected to fill in his position.

In terms of injuries, Santiago Lopez is out with a broken finger and Jose Caicedo is doubtful with a thigh injury. These absences might limit Efraín Juárez’s options, particularly in defensive roles.

The absence of these players puts additional pressure on the remaining squad to maintain a strong performance, especially against an Atlas side known for high-scoring encounters. Keylor Navas’s leadership and the prowess of their midfield and attack will be essential to overcome these setbacks.

Tactics and Formation

Club Universidad Nacional will likely stick to their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation against Atlas. This setup allows them to balance between solid defensive structures and dynamic offensive play.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Guillermo Martinez Ayala
• Midfield Duo: Piero Quispe and Adalberto Carrasquilla providing defensive cover.
• Attacking Trio: Pedro Vite, Santiago Trigos, and Jorge Ruvalcaba supporting the forward.
• Defensive Focus: Relying on Keylor Navas’s leadership to organize the backline.
• Notable Strategy: Significant offensive activity anticipated, particularly between the 61-75 minute interval where they have conceded most goals.

The main approach will involve tight defensive positioning combined with leveraging Ruvalcaba’s attacking prowess. Effective ball distribution from midfield will be crucial to breaking down Atlas’s defenses and creating scoring opportunities.

Atlas Team Analysis

Atlas Recent Performance

Atlas has struggled significantly in their recent fixtures, reflected in their record of:

• 2-4 vs CF America (Home)
• 3-3 vs Queretaro FC (Away)
• 0-3 vs Pachuca (Home)
• 1-4 vs Atlanta United (Away, Leagues Cup)
• 1-3 vs Orlando City (Away, Leagues Cup)

Recent form: LLLDL

They have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches, and defensive issues have been glaring, conceding an average of three goals per game. Offensively, they’ve managed an average of 1.4 goals per match, indicating some attacking potential.

Their current position, 15th in the Liga MX standings with 5 points, highlights a pressing need for defensive improvements and a more cohesive effort to halt the winless streak. Coach Gonzalo Pineda will need to address these issues quickly to elevate the team’s performance in the league.

Key Players

Atlas will look to their key players to help turn around their recent poor form. Uros Djurdjevic, with two goals to his name, will be crucial in leading the attack against Club Universidad Nacional. His ability to find the net and create chances for teammates will be indispensable.

Camilo Vargas in goal will need to be at his best to handle the offensive threats from the home team, particularly given their defensive fragility in recent matches. Defensive stalwart Matheus Dória Macedo will also play a pivotal role in trying to solidify their backline.

The midfield battle will be a key area, with Diego Gonzalez and Victor Rios expected to challenge the midfield duo of Club Universidad Nacional.

Expected lineup for Atlas:

• Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
• Defenders: Gustavo Ferrareis, Gaddi Aguirre, Matheus Dória Macedo, Adrian Mora, Rivaldo Lozano
• Midfielders: Victor Rios, Diego Gonzalez, Sergio Hernandez
• Forwards: Gustavo Del Prete, Uros Djurdjevic

The team’s performance in these individual matchups will be essential for their chances of securing a positive result.

Suspensions & Injuries

Atlas faces significant challenges ahead of their match against Club Universidad Nacional due to numerous suspensions and injuries. Key midfielder Aldo Paúl Rocha is suspended following a red card, which disrupts their midfield dynamics and defensive stability.

Injuries further compound their woes:

• Mauro Manotas (Cruciate ligament injury – Potential return Early October 2025)
• Edgar Zaldivar (Cruciate ligament injury – Potential return Early January 2026)
• Carlos Cruz (Cruciate ligament injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Paulo Ramírez (Knock injury – Potential return Doubtful)
• Jorge Rodriguez (Hamstring Injury – Potential return Doubtful)
• Eduardo Aguirre (Hamstring Injury – Potential return Mid September 2025)

These absences thin their squad depth, particularly in attack and midfield. Coach Gonzalo Pineda will need to rely on his remaining players to step up and fill these voids. The lack of key personnel puts extra pressure on their defence to withstand Club Universidad Nacional’s offensive threats.

Tactics and Formation

Atlas heads into their clash against Club Universidad Nacional with a desperate need to tighten their defensive lines while maximizing their offensive potential. Given their recent struggles, they’ll likely deploy a 5-4-1 formation focusing on a solid defensive backbone.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Uros Djurdjevic
• Midfield Quartet: Diego Gonzalez, Victor Rios, Sergio Hernandez, and Gustavo Del Prete offering both defensive support and forward thrusts.
• Defensive Structure: Anchored by Matheus Dória Macedo and reinforced by a five-man backline.
• Notable Strategy: Atlas is expected to rely on quick counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities to exploit any defensive lapses by the home team.

Given their defensive vulnerabilities and recent high-goal encounters, Atlas’s approach will focus on reducing goal concessions while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Club Universidad Nacional vs Atlas Head-to-Head Statistics

Analysing the last five meetings between Club Universidad Nacional and Atlas, we can see a mixed bag of results:

• 26 Jan 2025: Club Universidad Nacional 0-0 Atlas
• 25 Aug 2024: Atlas 2-1 Club Universidad Nacional
• 15 Feb 2024: Atlas 0-0 Club Universidad Nacional
• 05 Nov 2023: Club Universidad Nacional 3-0 Atlas
• 05 Feb 2023: Club Universidad Nacional 2-2 Atlas

Both teams have had their fair share of victories and draws. Club Universidad Nacional secured a dominant 3-0 win in November 2023, while Atlas clinched a 2-1 victory in August the following year. Notably, two of these matches ended in goalless draws, highlighting fluctuating performance dynamics between the sides.

While recent history indicates tight contests, the upcoming match could be more open, given the current defensive vulnerabilities. Their past encounters show a pattern that aligns with our prediction of a high-scoring affair.

Odds accurate as of 30.08.2025 00:00, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.