The Liga MX Clausura 2026 continues its exciting trajectory as Necaxa prepares to welcome Atlas to Aguascalientes for a pivotal Matchday 3 fixture this coming Saturday. Both clubs enter the contest eager to reassert themselves after contrasting fortunes during the mid-week double-header, having initially secured victories in Week 1.
For the Rayos (Necaxa) and the Zorros (Atlas), this Saturday's encounter at the Estadio Victoria is more than just three points; it’s an opportunity to regain momentum before the league pauses for international commitments related to the 2026 World Cup preparations.
The Context: Bouncing Back Under the Lights
Necaxa began the 2026 campaign on a high note, securing a morale-boosting win. However, the intensity of the mid-week fixtures proved challenging, resulting in a subsequent defeat. The team will be heavily reliant on its home form to correct course.
Atlas, conversely, also started strong but stumbled in their second match. The pressure mounts on Manager [Insert Manager Name if known, otherwise omit] to stabilize results, especially given the club's concerning recent road record.
Historical Edge Favorable to the Home Side
Historically, when these two sides meet in Aguascalientes, the advantage often swings in favor of the home team. Necaxa boasts an impressive recent record against Atlas at the Estadio Victoria, having secured victories in their last two meetings at this venue.
The last time Atlas managed to secure a victory on Necaxa’s turf was during the Clausura 2023 tournament. That memorable match saw Atlas triumph 3-1, featuring a standout brace from former star Julián Quiñones and another goal from Brian Lozano. Since then, the atmosphere in Aguascalientes has proven difficult for the Guadalajara-based club.
Atlas's Woeful Road Form Under Scrutiny
One of the most significant narratives surrounding Atlas heading into this fixture is their abysmal performance away from home. The Rojinegros are currently mired in a nine-match winless streak on the road across all Liga MX competitions. Their last two away fixtures ended in identical 2-0 defeats, the most recent being a loss against Cruz Azul earlier this week in Puebla.
This struggle to secure points outside of Jalisco is a major concern for Atlas supporters and coaching staff alike. A trip to Aguascalientes, where they have struggled historically, presents a significant challenge to breaking this negative cycle.
Injury Concerns Loom for the Zorros
Adding further complication to Atlas’s preparations, the club confirmed a worrying injury sustained by midfielder Diego González. González was forced off during the recent match against Cruz Azul, an incident that has naturally sent ripples of concern back to his national team setup as Paraguay eyes its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
The immediate impact on Atlas’s lineup for the Necaxa match remains to be seen, but any absence of a key player puts immediate strain on squad depth, particularly when trying to reverse poor form.
Match Details: How to Watch Necaxa vs. Atlas (Clausura 2026, Jornada 3)
Fans across the US and Mexico will be looking to catch this crucial fixture as part of Saturday's slate of games. Here is the essential viewing information:
When and Where
The clash is scheduled for Saturday, January 17th, at the storied Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes.
Kickoff Times
The official kickoff time varies by region:
- Central Mexico Time (CT): 5:00 PM
- US Eastern Time (ET): 6:00 PM
- US Central Time (CT): 5:00 PM
- US Pacific Time (PT): 3:00 PM
Where to Stream
The match will be broadcast live exclusively on ViX for viewers in both Mexico and the United States. ViX offers comprehensive coverage, ensuring fans won't miss the action as both teams fight to climb the Clausura 2026 table.
Looking Ahead: The International Break Factor
While this is not an official FIFA window, the upcoming recess for international team duties means that teams are highly motivated to secure maximum points now. Both Necaxa and Atlas will want to enter any brief pause feeling positive about their standing, rather than dwelling on consecutive losses. For Necaxa, cementing their home fortress is paramount; for Atlas, ending their road drought is long overdue. This Saturday promises a highly competitive battle where motivation might just outweigh recent form.
