The Recent Matchups and Their Impact on the Standings
Over the weekend, Cruz Azul smiled over America after winning the Apertura 2025 edition of the Young Classic and took the lead in the overall table. However, a few days later, the smile changed sides as America regained its advantage over Cruz Azul in the standings and will arrive as the co-leader for the upcoming weekend.
The Upcoming Double Round of Matches
This week features a double round in the Liga MX, with Jornada 14 being played from Tuesday to Wednesday, and Jornada 15 from Friday to Sunday.
Midweek Matchups and Results
Midweek, America and Cruz Azul faced two of the bottom teams in the tournament: Puebla and Necaxa, respectively. America won 2-1 against Puebla with a last-minute goal from defender Ramón Juárez, who headed the ball into the net after a precise assist from French player Allan Saint-Maximin. The match had become tense at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium.
At the same time, Cruz Azul drew 1-1 with Necaxa in Aguascalientes. Amaury Morales put Cruz Azul ahead at the 65th minute, but Agustín Palavecino equalized for the home team at the 86th minute, and there were no further score changes.
Current Standings and Key Players
With these results, Cruz Azul stands at 29 points with a goal difference of +8. America surpassed them, boasting 30 points and a goal difference of +15.
America started their match against Puebla hesitantly, with the visitors being clear underdogs after only two wins in 13 games. However, America took the lead in the 52nd minute through Emiliano Gómez. Puebla equalized at the 67th minute via a penalty kick executed by Brian Rodríguez. America capitalized on Puebla’s red card to Raúl Castillo at the 90+2nd minute, securing their ninth victory in the Apertura 2025.
America will maintain the co-leadership position in the table at least until the weekend, trailing Toluca with 31 points who will visit Tijuana on Wednesday, concluding Jornada 14.
On the same day, Monterrey could match America’s points (30), but it won’t be enough to snatch the co-leadership since America has a better goal difference than Rayados.
Cruz Azul, on the other hand, is guaranteed to stay in the top 5 until the weekend. However, both Monterrey and Tigres could potentially push Cruz Azul out of the top 3 if they secure victories against Juarez and Pachuca, respectively, between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Team Performance and Upcoming Matches
Tigres and Cruz Azul remain the teams with the fewest losses in this tournament, each having one. Cruz Azul’s five draws have affected their chances of contending for the lead as the regular season winds down.
This is the final double round of the Apertura 2025, with Jornadas 15, 16, and 17 taking place over weekends, allowing teams more preparation time.
Toluca, America, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, and Tigres have consistently remained in the top 5 for more than half of the season. The last direct ticket to the Liguilla remains a target for teams like Pachuca, Tijuana, Chivas, and Juarez.
The double round concludes on Wednesday, with notable matches such as Tigres visiting Pachuca, Chivas facing Querétaro, and Pumas hosting Atlético de San Luis in an attempt to stay in the Play-In zone. The reigning champions and current leaders, Toluca, will visit Tijuana.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the teams currently leading the Apertura 2025 standings? America and Toluca are currently leading the table with 31 and 30 points, respectively.
- What impact did the recent matchups have on the standings? America overtook Cruz Azul in the standings after their respective match results against Puebla and Necaxa.
- What is the significance of goal difference in this context? Goal difference is crucial for teams tied on points, as it determines their ranking in the table.
- What are the upcoming matches and their implications? The double round of matches will determine the final standings, with key matchups potentially affecting team positions in the top 5 and direct tickets to the Liguilla.
