As expected, the start of the Liga MX Liguilla quarterfinals did not disappoint—and it has already pushed Chivas to the edge of elimination. Ironically, this comes after what was arguably their best tournament in the Clausura 2026. But once you strip a team of five of its best players—thanks to early national team call-ups for World Cup prep—the drop-off tends to show.
Chivas vs. Tigres
Chivas fell 3-1 to Tigres UANL, who now look every bit like one of the top contenders for the title. Conveniently enough, Tigres didn’t lose a single player due to the agreement between clubs and the Mexican national team—an arrangement pushed by Javier Aguirre. Timing is everything.
Chivas entered the match without Raúl Rangel, Luis Romo, Brian Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, and Armando González. In other words, head coach Gabriel Milito was missing the spine of his squad. After the 3-1 loss in the first leg, only a miracle would send them to the semifinals in what had been a historic tournament for the Guadalajara side.
Meanwhile, Guido Pizarro’s Tigres—featuring a World Cup winner like Ángel Correa and Mexican standouts such as Diego Lainez and Jesús Angulo (both now out of World Cup contention)—made the most of their advantage to leave Chivas half-dead.
The return leg will be played next Saturday at Estadio Akron, a future World Cup venue, where fans will surely pack the stands hoping for a comeback that requires at least a two-goal win.
“I have faith. I believe we can improve on what we did today. We know we’ll need a huge effort and a great match to win—but it’s possible. I trust the players and what this team can do,” Milito said.
What does Chivas need to advance?
A win by two or more goals, thanks to their higher position in the standings (2nd vs Tigres’ 7th).
América vs. Pumas
If that game had drama, the clash between Club América and Pumas UNAM took it to another level—controversy included.
In what was arguably the game of the weekend, América came back from a 3-1 deficit at the Estadio Azteca to salvage a 3-3 draw in a full-blown spectacle.
Two second-half penalties helped André Jardine’s side avoid what looked like an impossible deficit heading into the second leg. Now, the series remains wide open and will be decided at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday, May 10.
USMNT’s player Alejandro Zendejas once again showed why he’s among the best in Liga MX, scoring América’s third goal and continuing to carry the team when it matters most.
But of course, it wouldn’t be Liga MX without controversy.
A substitution saga involving Miguel Vázquez—who was initially expected to come off—took a turn when an injury to Sebastián Cáceres forced América’s coaching staff to rethink their plan and keep Vázquez on the field. Pumas UNAM is now preparing to file a protest for improper lineup.
That complaint may not go anywhere, though, since referees reportedly did not register the substitution as completed. Still, we’ll find out soon enough whether Pumas try to win this one off the pitch.
Injuries also took center stage. América lost Cristian Borja for the remainder of the tournament due to an ACL tear, while Cáceres suffered facial fractures after a collision. His return timeline remains unclear.
Post-Match Press Conference Fireworks
It got spicy in the press room during the post-match interviews.
Pumas head coach Efraín Juárez didn’t hold back:
“If I come here and say it was a great spectacle and everything’s fine… I don’t know what they saw on the other side. What I can say is there was only one team on the field—and it was Pumas.”
“We were the team that played, in a massive stadium. People can say whatever they want, but if you watch the 99 minutes, you can’t lie. Inside, we’re at peace. We could’ve played defensively—that’s who I am, that’s what represents our people.”
Not long after, Jardine responded:
“This is a pitch we know well—we’ve won, lost, drawn here. We are América. It doesn’t matter where we play, we represent the club, the badge, with energy, personality, with balls—sorry for the word—we’re up to the level this institution demands. We go into the second leg confident.”
The return leg will take place Sunday at Ciudad Universitaria, where América will have Brian Rodríguez back after he missed the first leg as a precaution. América must win. Pumas advance with a draw or a victory.
Cruz Azul vs. Atlas
Cruz Azul and Atlas also delivered, with La Máquina securing a 3-2 win away from home. That gives them a slight cushion heading into the second leg in Mexico City—also at the Azteca.
Let’s not forget: Cruz Azul fired Nicolás Larcamón just days before the Liguilla began, replacing him with Joel Huiqui. Crisis? Apparently postponed.
“Winning is always an obligation for this club. It’s a big institution. Whoever is in charge must deliver a great tournament,” Huiqui said. “Today we’re ready for what’s next. I saw a group that learned from its mistakes.”
Cruz Azul advances with a win or a draw. Atlas must win by two or more goals.
Toluca vs. Pachuca
The reigning back-to-back champions are suddenly in serious trouble after losing 1-0 at home to the Tuzos, snapping a 20-game unbeaten streak at Estadio Nemesio Diez.
Now, Antonio Mohamed’s side must go to Pachuca and win by two or more goals. A one-goal win or a draw won’t cut it due to their lower position in the standings.
And just to make things more “fun,” they’ll first have to deal with Los Angeles FC midweek in the second leg of the Champions Cup semifinals, where they trail 2-1 on aggregate.
Because clearly, one crisis at a time would’ve been too simple.
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