Draws or even two-goal wins: what each Liga MX team needs to reach the semifinals
Rayados were the only home side to take a lead in the first leg.
The Liga MX playoffs kicked off at full throttle, and this weekend we’ll find out who makes it to the semifinals. América, Cruz Azul, and Tigres are all in favorable positions heading into their home legs, while Toluca will need to come out firing if they want to knock out Monterrey at the Bombonera. Here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to advance.
Toluca
The Diablos Rojos fell 3–2 to Monterrey in the first leg. That means Mohamed’s side must win the return match at the Nemesio Diez, no matter the scoreline. Only a win will do, as any draw in the second leg would see Rayados go through on aggregate, thanks to their first-leg advantage.
If Toluca wins 1–0, the aggregate would be 3–3, and they would advance based on their higher seed. It’s worth remembering that any tie on aggregate sends the Diablos through.
América
The Águilas played to a scoreless draw against Pachuca in the first leg. Now, back at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Jardine’s side has two favorable outcomes: a win (by any score) or a draw, both of which would send them through due to their higher seed. The only result that would end their four-peat hopes is a loss at home.
Cruz Azul
La Máquina took a 3–2 win from their visit to León, giving them a very strong position for the return leg. Cruz Azul can advance with a win, a draw, or even a one-goal loss. That’s because a tied aggregate score would see them through as the better-seeded team.
Vicente Sánchez’s squad would only be eliminated if they lose by two or more goals.
Tigres
UANL and Necaxa finished the first leg in a 0–0 draw, and Tigres now have the upper hand at home. Pizarro’s team advances with either a win or a draw, since a tie on aggregate favors them due to their seeding.
Just like América, only a loss in the second leg would send them packing.
Necaxa
Larcamón’s team has just one option: win at the Volcán. It’s a tough task, but a victory by any scoreline would put them into the semifinals. A draw, however, would see them eliminated due to their lower position in the table.
León
La Fiera face the toughest challenge of all. To reach the semifinals, they must beat Cruz Azul by at least two goals in the second leg. Even a 1–0 win wouldn’t be enough due to their lower seed. In short, the Panzas Verdes need to win outright on aggregate to stay alive in the playoffs.
Pachuca
The Tuzos head to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes knowing only a win will do. Any other result would eliminate them, so Guillermo Almada’s side will have to be sharp — they need a victory by any score to reach the semifinals.
Monterrey
Rayados were the only home team to take a lead in the first leg. This means Monterrey can hold on to a 0–0 draw in the second leg and still advance, while a win by any score would also put them in the semifinals.
In other words, any draw in the second leg sends Rayados through thanks to the slim advantage they earned in the first match.