Chivas Clinch Playoff Bye with Derby Win
In a pivotal “Clásico Tapatío,” Roberto Alvarado’s sublime goal secured a 1-0 victory for Guadalajara (Chivas) over Atlas, extending Chivas’ winning streak to five matches. Alvarado’s moment of brilliance not only sealed the derby win but also guaranteed Chivas a first-round playoff bye. The victory propelled Chivas into fifth place with 31 points, ensuring they finish no lower than sixth in the league standings. Chivas will face either Cruz Azul or Toluca in the quarterfinals, depending on Monterrey’s upcoming match against Necaxa.
León’s Disappointing Finish as Juárez Thwarts Playoff Hopes
León faced disappointment as they failed to secure a playoff spot, falling short against FC Juárez. Despite needing a win to qualify for the Play-In Tournament, León conceded the opening goal and struggled to regain control. Despite equalizing in the second half, Juárez’s resilient defense denied León further opportunities. With this result, León tied with Querétaro on 24 points but missed out on goal difference. Querétaro will now face either UNAM or Necaxa in the next round, aiming to advance further in the playoffs.
Cruz Azul Upsets Toluca, Climbing to Second Place
Cruz Azul delivered a standout performance by defeating Toluca, limiting the top-scoring team in Liga MX to no goals and snapping Toluca’s unbeaten home record. The win propelled Cruz Azul into the second seed, dropping Toluca to third place in the standings. Despite Toluca’s dominance at home this season, Cruz Azul’s resolute defense held firm, with goalkeeper Tiago Volpi missing two penalty kicks for Toluca. The victory sets up Cruz Azul as a strong contender heading into the playoffs.
Tigres Secure Fourth Seed with Dominant Win Over Tijuana
Tigres solidified their playoff position with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tijuana, showcasing their attacking prowess and determination. André-Pierre Gignac, Sebastián Córdova, Juan Brunetta, and Nico Ibáñez all found the net for Tigres, who have been in excellent form heading into the postseason. With 31 points and an impressive goal difference, Tigres are positioned as serious contenders for the Liga MX title, aiming for their third consecutive final appearance.
Pachuca Settles for Play-In Tournament After Lackluster Draw
Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada’s decision to rest key players backfired, as Pachuca could only manage a 1-1 draw against Mazatlán FC. The draw left Pachuca in seventh place, forcing them into the Play-In tournament. Almada’s side will face additional challenges with an extra game next week, potentially setting up a scenario where they could face two more matches in quick succession if they fail to advance. Pachuca will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for crucial upcoming fixtures in both Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against América.
This Liga MX roundup highlights the intensity and drama of the final matches leading up to the playoffs, where teams are fighting for crucial spots and striving to maintain momentum heading into the postseason.
