Toluca Aims for Back-to-Back Liga MX Apertura Titles

Liga MX Apertura 2025 playoffs are here, and all eyes are on Toluca as they seek consecutive championships in a season that could mark the end of an era for the league’s playoff format.

Liga MX Apertura 2025 Playoffs: Format in Focus

Liga MX Apertura 2025 playoffs mark the last time fans will see the Play-In system, as the league plans to revert to the traditional top-eight qualification in Clausura 2026. For the third year running, the Play-In produced little drama: once again, the top eight teams from the regular season advanced. The system, designed to give lower-ranked teams a shot, has mostly led to fatigue, not surprises.

Juárez made history by clinching their first ever Liguilla berth, beating Pachuca, but as the eighth-placed team, their qualification only confirmed the regular-season pecking order. Now, the focus is on the quarterfinals, where Toluca, the reigning champions, are clear favorites to go all the way.

The Road to the Quarterfinals: Toluca Set the Pace

The quarterfinals kick off on Wednesday, November 26, with FC Juárez facing Toluca, Rayados meeting América, and Tijuana battling Tigres. The first legs conclude on Thursday, November 27, with Chivas hosting Cruz Azul. Second-leg matches follow on Saturday, November 29, while Cruz Azul vs. Chivas wraps up the round on Sunday, November 30.

Toluca vs. FC Juárez: Champions vs. Underdogs

Toluca enters these Liga MX Apertura 2025 playoffs as the team to beat. They topped the regular season, boast a deep squad, and have the confidence of reigning champions. Their main challenge may be rust—after an 18-day layoff since their last competitive fixture—but coach Antonio Mohamed’s side has shown consistency all campaign.

Their opponents, Juárez, come in as underdogs after a dramatic 2-1 Play-In win over Pachuca. The Bravos, however, will need a near-perfect performance to contain the firepower of Toluca’s attack, especially with Paulinho—Liga MX’s Golden Boot winner for the third straight season—and Alexis Vega forming a lethal partnership. The clubs have little Liguilla history, with Toluca winning their only knockout encounter in a previous Repechaje. This season, Toluca prevailed 2-0 in their league meeting at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez.

Key Players: Paulinho and Óscar Estupiñán

Paulinho is Toluca’s key man, lethal in front of goal and complemented by Vega. For Juárez, Óscar Estupiñán is the primary threat, netting eight goals in 13 matches. However, the gap in quality and experience makes Toluca overwhelming favorites for this tie.

Tigres vs. Tijuana: Battle of Styles

Tigres, the second seed, have dominated both ends of the pitch, finishing with the league’s best away record and the stingiest defense. World Cup winner Ángel Correa leads their dynamic attack, supported by Brunetta, Lainez, and Gorriarán. Tijuana, managed by Sebastián Abreu, looked impressive in the Play-In, but face a big step up in competition.

Youngster Gilberto Mora, who made headlines with a confident Panenka penalty against Juárez, will need support if Xolos are to challenge Tigres. Given Tigres’ pedigree and consistency, they are strong favorites to progress.

Cruz Azul vs. Chivas: Classic Playoff Rivalry

Cruz Azul and Chivas have a storied history in the Liguilla, with Guadalajara holding a slight edge from previous meetings. Cruz Azul, under Nicolás Larcamón, turned Estadio Olímpico Universitario into a fortress, riding a solid defense and Gabriel Fernández’s seven goals to third in the table.

Chivas, revitalized by a late-season surge under Gabriel Milito, rely heavily on breakthrough striker Armando González, who shared the Golden Boot. With Chivas struggling to score consistently, Cruz Azul’s defensive organization could be decisive in this close matchup.

América vs. Monterrey: High Stakes for Big Names

América and Monterrey meet for the eighth time in Liguilla history. With Rayados winning four of the previous seven series, this is a fixture rich in history. América, managed by André Jardine, have shown flashes of brilliance but require consistency, especially in the first leg away at Monterrey.

Allan Saint-Maximin, América’s marquee signing, will be under the spotlight to deliver in these high-pressure games. Monterrey, led by Domenec Torrent, have struggled defensively but the experience of Sergio Ramos could steady the ship at the back. Their regular-season clash finished 2-2, promising another tight contest, but América’s offensive depth may see them through.

Are Toluca on Course for Consecutive Titles?

Toluca’s path to retaining the Liga MX Apertura title looks promising. Their squad is loaded with talent and experience, and they enter the Liguilla as the most consistent side. The biggest threat could be complacency or a lack of match sharpness after their long break. However, with Paulinho in peak form and a solid foundation across the pitch, Toluca are well-positioned to make history.

Opinion: Format Change Long Overdue

The Liga MX Play-In format never truly delivered the drama or unpredictability fans hoped for, as this year’s playoffs once again see the regular-season top eight advancing. The upcoming return to a traditional playoff format is a move in the right direction, restoring clarity and significance to regular-season performance. As the playoffs begin, Toluca’s drive for back-to-back titles adds a compelling narrative to the final edition of the Play-In era.

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