Overview of the Current Standings
With only two rounds remaining in the Apertura 2025 season of Mexico’s top-tier football league, Liga MX, the race for the top spot is heating up. Toluca currently sits at the summit, but their lead over fifth-placed Monterrey is a mere three points. Six points are still up for grabs, making the final matches crucial for all teams involved.
Toluca’s Recent Stumble
In the latest Jornada 15, Toluca, also known as Los Diablos Rojos, suffered their second consecutive draw, tying 2-2 with Pachuca at Estadio Nemesio Diez. The team had previously enjoyed a seven-match winning streak, including notable victories over Chivas (3-0) and Monterrey (6-2). However, they were held scoreless in a visit to Tijuana during Jornada 14 and were subsequently caught by Pachuca.
- Jesús Gallardo and Paulinho gave Toluca a 2-0 lead before halftime, but Enner Valencia scored two goals to equalize in the 45+1’ and 55’.
- Despite Pachuca’s red card to Alán Bautista at the 76’ mark and Toluca captain Alexis Vega’s apparent muscular injury leading to a substitution, Los Diablos Rojas couldn’t regain the lead.
Close Pursuit by Four Teams
Toluca’s strong mid-season form keeps them at the top with 33 points and a goal difference of +23. Their upcoming matches are against Atlas (away) and América (home). However, four teams remain in contention for the top spot:
- Tigres and Cruz Azul, both with 32 points and goal differences of +17 and +10 respectively.
- América, with 31 points and a goal difference of +15.
- Monterrey, with 30 points and a goal difference of +6.
Tigres and Cruz Azul gained momentum this weekend by defeating Tijuana (2-0) and Monterrey (2-0), respectively, securing their positions in the top 3 and intensifying the competition for first place with Toluca.
América drew 2-2 against Mazatlán, while Monterrey couldn’t climb higher due to their loss to Cruz Azul and the expulsion of Spanish midfielder Óliver Torres, who will miss the upcoming Clásico Regio in Jornada 16.
Play-In for the Final Stage
After the top five, there’s a mathematical chance for 12 teams to advance to the final stage of Apertura 2025 through the Play-In. Teams finishing between seventh and tenth places participate in the Play-In, while the sixth place secures a direct ticket to Liguilla.
Currently, Toluca, Tigres, Cruz Azul, América, and Monterrey have secured their spots in the Play-In or direct Liguilla.
The Fight for Play-In Spots
Following the top five, there’s a mathematical chance for 12 teams to advance to the final stage of Apertura 2025 through the Play-In. Teams finishing between seventh and tenth places participate in the Play-In, while the sixth place secures a direct ticket to Liguilla.
Chivas, after their 4-1 victory in the Clásico Tapatío during Jornada 15, now occupies the sixth spot and is momentarily in the direct Liguilla zone with 23 points. This represents their best position in the tournament so far, having reached as high as 16th place in Jornada 5.
- Pachuca follows with 22 points, Tijuana with 21, and Xolos with 20. Santos, currently in the last Play-In spot after 15 rounds, has accumulated 17 points.
- Atlético de San Luis and Atlas, with 16 points each, Pumas with 15, Querétaro with 14, and Mazatlán, Necaxa, and León with 13 points each are still in contention. Puebla, at the bottom of the table with nine points, is mathematically eliminated.
Upcoming Matches
The Jornada 16 will take place from October 31 to November 2, followed by Jornada 17 from November 7 to 9. Some notable matches include:
- The Clásico Regio (November 1) at Monterrey’s BBVA Stadium.
- Pachuca vs. Chivas (November 2) to secure a direct Liguilla spot or Play-In position.
- Toluca vs. América (November 8) for a potential leadership battle.
Liguilla Direct Spots After Jornada 15
- Toluca – 33 points, goal difference +23
- Tigres – 32 points, goal difference +17
- Cruz Azul – 32 points, goal difference +10
- América – 31 points, goal difference +15
- Monterrey – 30 points, goal difference +6
- Chivas – 23 points, goal difference +4
