Hurricane Simon Threatens Atlas vs Chivas Match in Guadalajara

Severe weather from Hurricane Simon raised concerns about the Clásico Tapatío between Atlas and Chivas at Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The Liga MX Apertura 2026 match was scheduled for 7 p.m. local time, but authorities issued precautions as the Category 4 storm approached the Pacific coast.

According to Mediotiempo, civil protection authorities in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Nayarit recommended suspending nonessential activities beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. Officials expected the hurricane to bring exceptionally heavy rainfall to affected areas, creating potential complications for sporting events and other outdoor activities.

However, the match had not been officially postponed or rescheduled when Mediotiempo published its report. The outlet noted that Guadalajara was not among the municipalities specifically covered by the reported local recommendation, leaving the game's status dependent in part on weather conditions around the stadium.

Neither Liga MX nor Atlas or Chivas had announced a scheduling change at that time. Heavy rainfall that made playing conditions unsuitable remained a potential obstacle to holding the derby as planned.

The weather concerns came as both clubs entered the 11th round of the Apertura 2026 in contention for a place in the league's postseason. According to TUDN, Atlas had collected 17 points, while Chivas had 18 after the opening 10 rounds.

Atlas faced the possibility of losing ground in the standings if it dropped points and Cruz Azul, Tijuana, and Puebla all won. Chivas, coached by Gabriel Milito, had produced notable results against prominent opponents, defeating Pumas 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with América in the Clásico Nacional, according to TUDN.

The Guadalajara derby also carried a historical storyline at Estadio Jalisco. Atlas had gone three consecutive home matches against Chivas without a victory. Its most recent win there came in the first leg of the Clausura 2023 quarterfinals, when Atlas prevailed 1-0 before being eliminated after the series finished 1-1 on aggregate because of its lower position in the standings.

Sports Illustrated's preview, published October 9, identified a potential 3-4-2-1 formation for Chivas, with Raúl Rangel in goal, Daniel Aguirre, Diego Campillo, and Luis Rey in defense, and Ricardo Marín leading the attack. Roberto Alvarado and Santiago Sandoval were projected to operate behind the striker.

The same preview projected Atlas to use a 3-4-2-1 system, with Camilo Vargas in goal and Gaddi Aguirre, Édgar Zaldívar, and Juanjo Purata in defense. Kevin Zenón, Elías Montiel, Paulo Ramírez, and Milton Valenzuela were listed in midfield, with Ryan Mmaee and Luís Esteves supporting forward Florián Monzón.

For viewers in Mexico, TUDN listed Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX as broadcast options. In the United States, the scheduled broadcast options included Univision, TUDN, the TUDN website, the TUDN app, and ViX.