The ‘Fiesta Grande’ of Mexican soccer is ready. After the last Play In match, the Quarterfinals of the Opening 2024 They are already defined. Cruz Azul, Toluca, Tigres, Pumas, Rayados y Atlético San Luis qualified directly, while America y Tijuana Xolos They did it with Play In. Given this, we present everything you need to know about these confrontations.
BLUE CROSS (1) VS (8) XOLOS DE TIJUANA
Cruz Azul, general leader of Apertura 2024, is the top favorite to be champion. After breaking the record for points in short tournaments of 17 days, La Maquina de Martin Anselmi will face its first challenge in this Liguilla against Xolos de Tijuana.
It should be noted that this will be the first time these clubs face each other in the Liguilla. However, in the regular season, La Maquina has a balance of 13 wins, nine draws and six losses in 28 games against the border team, in addition to having scored 41 goals and only conceded 26.
Ida’s duel will take place in the Hot Stadiumwhile the Vuelta will be played in the Sports City. Likewise, the tie aims to be played on Wednesday and Saturday, since the Celestes can choose the day on which the matches are played.
TOLUCA (2) VS (7) AMERICA
America, in search of the three-time championship, will have to face the second best offense in the tournament: Toluca. In the regular season, the Devils beat the Águilas 4-0, so the duel will have overtones of revenge. In addition, these teams have extensive history in Liguillas.
Previously, these teams have faced each other 10 times in the Final Phase, with a favorable balance for Toluca, as it has advanced in six qualifying rounds. In the 4th, these clubs have faced each other on five occasions, of which the Devils have emerged victorious on three (Winter 2000, Closing 2004 y Bicentennial 2010), while America took the series in the 1989-90 campaign and in the Opening 2018.
Despite the uncertainty, the first leg will be played at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium, while the return will be at the Nemesio Diez. According to multiple reports, said tie could be played Thursday and Sunday, although we are still waiting for Toluca’s official decision.
TIGRES (3) VS (6) ATLÉTICO SAN LUIS
Unpublished duel. Apertura 2024 will witness the first confrontation between Tigres and Atlético de San Luis in Liguilla. After finishing in third place, those led by Veljko Paunovic They will look for another title, something they have not achieved since the Closing 2023 when they beat Chivas in the Final.
For this, the Felinos will seek in the 4th to endorse the dominance they have had against the Potosinos in recent years. Since 2018, these clubs have met 13 times, of which Tigres has won seven and only lost one, in addition to five draws. Likewise, the Sultana have scored 25 goals against them and have only conceded 10.
The days have yet to be confirmed, the first leg game will be in the Alfonso Lastras Stadiumwhile the Vuelta will be in ‘El Volcán’, a stage where the Felinos have not lost in the regular season since April 6.
PUMAS (4) VS (5) RAYADOS
A series with three titles. Pumas and Rayados will face each other for the fourth time in Liguilla, with favorable records for both. This is because every time they meet in the Final Phase, the team that overcomes the eliminatory ends up being crowned in Liga MX.
The first time they played a tie was in the Final of the Opening 2004which the Felines won. Later, in the AP2010Rayados had their revenge in the Semifinals and were later champions of the same tournament. The last occasion was in Closing 2011when those then commanded by Guillermo Vazquez They beat Monterrey in the 4th and in that same competition they were crowned against Morelia.
Although it cannot be assured that whoever advances in this series will be champion, the precedent marks a favorable trend for whoever advances in this duel. The first leg game will take place at BBVA Stadiuma venue in which Pumas has only managed to get a draw in 10 years. However, the Felines will have the advantage of closing the series on Sunday, December 1 in the University Olympic Stadium.
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