Introduction to the Liga MX Title Race
The race for a new Liga MX title has reached its climax, with ten teams vying for the championship. These contenders are Toluca, America, Cruz Azul, Tigres, Necaxa, León, Pachuca, Monterrey, Juárez, and Pumas. The Clausura 2025 tournament has concluded its regular season, securing six direct spots in the Liguilla and four Play-In spots, following the NBA postseason format introduced in the Apertura 2023.
Toluca’s Dominant Regular Season Performance
Under the guidance of Antonio Mohamed, Toluca secured the top spot in the regular season with 37 points (11 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses). They boasted the best offense, scoring a total of 41 goals, with Paulinho leading the charge with 12 goals. This marks Toluca’s best regular season performance in 22 years, as they last scored over 40 goals in the Clausura 2003.
Historical Significance and Team Confidence
Toluca’s last title came in the Bicentennial 2010 tournament, and they aim to reclaim their glory. Mohamed emphasized that the team’s focus is on winning the title rather than economic incentives or leading the regular season. He acknowledged other strong contenders like America, Cruz Azul, and Tigres but expressed confidence in their ability to compete for the championship.
Play-In and Liguilla Format
The team that finishes first in the Clausura 2025 will have to wait two weeks to learn their first Liguilla opponent, as the Play-In’s winner will determine this matchup. The Play-In will consist of two games, taking place from April 26 to May 4. The leading team will face either Monterrey or Pachuca, while the remaining Play-In matchup will decide the last Liguilla spot against Toluca.
Remaining Contenders
America: Under the leadership of André Jardine, America seeks to extend their legacy as the only three-time short tournament champion in Mexico. They aim for a tetracampeonato (four titles) and have qualified for 15 consecutive Liguillas. America will await their Play-In opponent, who will emerge from the Monterrey vs. Pachuca matchup.
Cruz Azul and Tigres: Both teams will face off in the Concacaf Champions League semifinals shortly. They will enter Liguilla with new coaches, Vicente Sánchez and Guido Pizarro, respectively.
León, Monterrey, and Pachuca: These three Mexican representatives in the 2025 Club World Cup have secured their Liguilla spots. León qualified directly, while Monterrey and Pachuca will participate in the Play-In.
Necaxa, Juárez, and Pumas: Necaxa, under Nicolás Larcamón, finished 5th with 31 points—their highest total since the Apertura 2019. They aim to create a significant upset, as they last won Liga MX in 1998. Juárez, led by Martín Varini (the youngest coach in Liga MX at 33), secured more than 20 points for the first time in their Liga MX history. Pumas, with Efraín Juárez at the helm since Jornada 11, earned their Liguilla spot by rescuing 10 points from 21 possible ones.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the teams qualified directly to Liguilla? Toluca, America, Cruz Azul, Tigres, Necaxa, and León.
- Who are the teams qualified to Play-In? Monterrey, Pachuca, Juárez, and Pumas.
- When will the Liguilla matches be played? The Cuartos de Final (Quarterfinals) will take place with the following confirmed matchups: Cruz Azul vs. León and Tigres vs. Necaxa.
- What is the Play-In schedule? The first leg will be played between April 26 and May 4, with Monterrey vs. Pachuca and Juárez vs. Pumas determining the last Liguilla spot against Toluca.
