MEXICO CITY (Interstat) — Mazatlán U20 opens its Liga MX U20 campaign Sunday against Puebla U20 at home, a matchup that pits two clubs seeking to rebound from lopsided defeats last spring.

The game kicks off at Estadio Kraken in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, as Week 1 of the Mexican U20 season gets underway. It marks the first competitive match for either side since early May 2023.

Puebla last played May 6, 2023, falling 3-2 on the road to Atlas U20. Mazatlán’s most recent result was even more lopsided: a 5-1 loss at Guadalajara U20 on April 29, 2023. Both teams have had months to reset, but the long layoff adds an element of unpredictability to Sunday’s opener.

Analytics firm Interstat projects a 2-2 draw, according to its game simulator. However, Interstat’s ELO-based model gives Mazatlán a 72.20 percent probability of winning, suggesting the simulator’s draw prediction may be at odds with the statistical favorite status.

Mazatlán will look to improve a defensive record that allowed 10 goals over its final three matches of the 2022-23 spring season. Puebla, meanwhile, must tighten its own back line after conceding three goals in each of its last two games.

Sunday’s result could set the tone for the young season. A win for Mazatlán would validate its ELO favoritism. A draw or loss would raise questions about consistency. For Puebla, a road result — even a draw — would signal early resilience.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time.