Nonetheless, whether it be due to tactical changes or simply running out of energy under manager Martin Demichelis, Monterrey aren’t as strong in the final stages of games. Across the regular season, Rayados earned a +6 goal differential in the first half, but in the second, things looked much more competitive with the goal differential that’s brought down to +1.
Player to watch
Sergio Canales. It should come as no surprise that the No. 10, who played in a semifinal of the UEFA Nations League last summer with Spain, would thrive in Liga MX.
With a vision that’s beyond the reach of most in the league, Canales’ distribution is as vital as his ability to find the back of the net. Headed into the liguilla, the veteran has three goals and an assist in his last two appearances.
Postseason prediction
Monterrey will once again fall short of ambitions with quarterfinal or semifinal exit. Sometimes you don’t need advanced stats to back things up and can simply go off vibes. Watching Rayados in the Apertura has maintained the image that they continue to be a “good but not great” side that have yet to level up. In a similar manner in which they haven’t been at their best in the second half of games, the same could be said of their inability to defeat five of the six playoff teams they’ve faced since August.
Regular-season record: 9W-4D-4L (4th place)
Number of league titles: 7
Road to playoffs
A questionable three-game losing streak in the summer then led to just one loss in their remaining 10 matches of the regular season. What helped was solidifying their defense and allowing just 13 goals across 17 games. Heading into the liguilla, they’ve yet to be scored on since October. Only Cruz Azul allowed fewer goals in the Apertura.
Biggest strength and weakness
One simply has to look at the 5-3-2 formation to realize that defending is key for the Mexico City team that often aim to win the ball in the midfield. It has worked wonders for coach Gustavo Lema and placed them into an unanticipated spot at fourth.
The problem with Pumas, and the reason why they’re just slightly below Monterrey, is that they find themselves in far too many close margins. Similar to Tigres, but without the same attacking firepower, they are more likely than not to be stuck at a level scoreline.
Player to watch
The easy answer is winger César Huerta. At his best, the 23-year-old is a frenetic agent of chaos with his daring runs and willingness to dive into tackles. At his worst, there’s a headless chicken-like bit of energy to the player that is still fun to follow. Still, the ceiling is high for the Mexican stand-out.
Postseason prediction
Strong playoff performances lead to a European move for Huerta in the winter. At the risk of focusing on just one Pumas player, Huerta is their most important figure and someone who nearly signed for Liverpool over the summer. There’s interest abroad on the up-and-comer who should be more than motivated to play to the best of his abilities before inevitably heading to Europe in the near future.
Speaking of inconsistencies though, that seems to be a problem for goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon. Ranked as Liga MX’s top player by ESPN in May, the Mexico international has dipped in form with the second-worst goals prevented rating (-4.61) of the Apertura.
Player to watch
Alejandro Zendejas. There’s plenty to like about the agile and dynamic United States winger that is gaining momentum for Club America. He’s got two goals and two assists since late October and looks revitalized after being given national team minutes by Mauricio Pochettino in recent international breaks.
Postseason prediction
This playoff series will be the last for head coach Andre Jardine. No matter his ability to win two Liga MX championships since 2023 and two titles in separate competitions this year, one bad season is typically enough to push out any Club America manager. Anything less than a trophy next month, which seems unlikely for this erratic version of Las Aguilas, could be the end for Jardine.
Tier 3: The long shots
Regular-season record: 9W-3D-5L (6th place)
Number of league titles: 0
Road to playoffs
Atletico San Luis are the Cinderella story of the season. Led by new manager Domenec Torrent, the minnows powered through Liga MX’s currents without ever suffering any back-to-back losses. With an easy schedule in their final four games, they were able to put themselves in a decent position with three wins and a draw.
Biggest strength and weakness
There’s a tactical flexibility under Torrent, who can easily switch through a four or three-man backline from week to week. Either way, what they do is deliberate by winning back possession in the attacking third and aiming for close-range shots within the 18-yard box.
This can also backfire, which requires them to be regularly hitting the target at an accurate level when you consider that no other playoff team had fewer shots than Atletico San Luis. In transition and in defense, they often do well with stopping crosses but ranked the second-worst overall in Liga MX when it comes to successful tackles (41%).
Player to watch
A possible breakout player of the playoffs could arrive in the form of 21-year-old Luis Najera. Since his professional debut in July, the attack-minded midfielder has been a revelation with three goals and four assists in his first season. One to follow from the next wave of Mexican talent.
Postseason prediction
Torrent will upgrade to a bigger Liga MX club after an impressive liguilla. Whether that be through a competitive quarterfinal battle against Tigres or a dream run to the semis or final, the 62-year-old Spanish coach clearly has plenty he can still offer since his days as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Atletico San Luis are far greater than the sum of their parts, and someone will take notice in the offseason.
Regular-season record: 8W-5D-4L (7th place, qualified through play-in)
Number of league titles: 1
Road to playoffs
Tijuana are just happy to be here. If promotion and relegation was still utilized in Liga MX, Xolos would currently be in the second division and not have had the chance to be rejuvenated by former Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
After a positive start developed into a difficult finish that included one win in their last five of the regular season, Tijuana had to go through two play-in games for the final playoff invitation.
Biggest strength and weakness
Possession-heavy soccer has returned to the borderland with long strings of passes and sequences that can tire opposition. Take-ons, and shots from distance, seem to be encouraged for the team that found joy in the final third.
This all also leads to plenty of losses of possession for the roster that doesn’t have a long list of elite players, and for a risk-taker like Osorio, that means heading into the playoffs as the only quarterfinalist with a negative goal differential.
Player to watch
Keep an eye on teenage phenom Gilberto Mora. Now 16, Mora made history back in August as the youngest-ever goalscorer in Liga MX at 15 years of age. The midfielder looks almost too confident for his age and provides plenty with his progressive carries and shot-creating actions.
Barcelona are apparently keeping tabs and reportedly sent an invitation for Mora to train with their academy.
Postseason prediction
Xolos will suffer the most one-sided defeat of the quarterfinals. Listen, the fact that Tijuana are here to begin with is already a success, but it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll get past 180+ minutes against Anselmi’s Cruz Azul. Osorio and company should feel proud of whatever outcome and use this as a catalyst for 2025.
