MAZATLAN, Mexico (Interstat) — In a match that played out precisely as one prominent statistical model forecast, Mazatlan and Queretaro opened their Liga MX campaigns with a 1-1 draw Friday night at Estadio El Encanto.

The result, which saw both clubs earn a single point to begin the season, mirrored the exact scoreline predicted by Interstat’s game simulator. The analytics firm had also given Mazatlan a 62 percent probability of securing a victory on home turf, but a resilient Queretaro side managed to split the points in the 2026 Clausura opener.

The visiting Gallos Blancos struck first, capitalizing on an early opportunity. The opening goal came from forward Brian Rubio, who found the net in the first half to give Queretaro the lead. The assist on the play was credited to midfielder Mauro Zaleta. The goal established a lead that Queretaro would carry into the halftime break, defying the pre-match projections that favored the home side.

Mazatlan, pushing for an equalizer in front of their home supporters, found the crucial response in the second half. The tying goal was delivered by substitute Ali Ávila, who made a decisive impact after entering the match. The assist on the Mazatlan goal came from fellow substitute Lucas Abascia, whose entry also provided a spark for the home team’s attack.

The match was a physical contest, reflected in the disciplinary record. The first half saw a flurry of yellow cards in the 24th minute, with both Queretaro’s goal-assist provider Zaleta and Mazatlan’s Abascia being cautioned. A third yellow card was shown in the 82nd minute to Mazatlan defender Facundo Almada, who was also credited with an assist on the night’s action.

With the draw, both teams see their records move to 0 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw in Liga MX play. Their overall records across all competitions for the season also stand identically at 0-0-1. The shared points leave the clubs level in the early league table as the season commences.

The match concluded a competitive opening night fixture where statistical prophecy met on-field reality, with neither side able to secure a decisive advantage. Both Mazatlan and Queretaro will look to build upon the result and secure their first victory of the young season in their upcoming fixtures.