Mexico's Liga MX prepares for the Liguilla Cuartos de Final as the matchups are finalized following the Play-in rounds. Eight teams remain in contention for the Clausura 2025 championship.
The quarterfinal stage features a clash between second-place America and seventh-place Pachuca. This meeting renews a historical rivalry in elimination rounds.
According to reports, Pachuca has held an edge over America in prior Liguilla encounters across various stages, including a Final. The recent history saw America advance in the Clausura 2024 quarterfinals due to a higher table position after a tie on aggregate score, a tournament America ultimately won.
Other quarterfinal series feature Cruz Azul facing Leon, Tigres meeting Necaxa, and top seed Toluca playing Rayados. Monterrey, who secured the last spot through the Play-in after defeating Pumas, faces a difficult opponent in Toluca.
The match schedule confirms the first legs of the Cuartos de Final are set for May 7 and 8. The return legs will follow on May 10 and 11.
Pachuca vs América is scheduled to begin May 7 at Estadio Hidalgo. Necaxa hosts Tigres the same day at Estadio Victoria.
On May 8, Leon will play Cruz Azul at Estadio Leon, followed by Monterrey against Toluca at Estadio BBVA.
The return legs will see America host Pachuca at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes and Tigres welcoming Necaxa to Estadio Universitario de Nuevo Leon on May 10. The round concludes May 11 with Toluca hosting Monterrey at Estadio Nemesio Diez and Cruz Azul facing Leon at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Several teams enter the Liguilla with questions surrounding their form. Leon reportedly experienced a drop in performance after news regarding their exclusion from the Mundial de Clubes 2025 by FIFA, an issue potentially related to ownership rules.
For Rayados, the return of Sergio Canales provides a boost. The midfielder recently recovered from injury and featured in the team's decisive Play-in win.
