The excitement is palpable as the Liga MX Clausura 2025 tournament enters its most thrilling phase, known as the Liguilla. This knockout stage, featuring eight teams, will kick off on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and run through Sunday, May 11, 2025. The matchups promise to deliver high-stakes drama as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, Toluca will face Monterrey, while América takes on Pachuca. Additionally, Cruz Azul will meet León, and Tigres will battle Necaxa. Each of these matchups is steeped in history and rivalry, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings.
Toluca and Monterrey are set to reignite their fierce rivalry, having met in the final phase of the competition three times before. Historically, Toluca has had the upper hand with two victories compared to Monterrey's one. The last encounter in the Liguilla occurred during the Apertura 2009 semifinals, where Monterrey emerged victorious with a 3-1 aggregate score.
The first leg of the Toluca vs. Monterrey clash will take place at Estadio BBVA on May 7, 2025, at 19:00 hours, followed by the return leg at Estadio Nemesio Diez on May 10, 2025, also at 19:00 hours. Fans are eagerly anticipating these matches to see if Toluca can maintain their historical advantage or if Monterrey will continue their recent success.
Meanwhile, América is looking to break a streak of poor results against Pachuca in the Liguilla. Over the years, Pachuca has bested América in several key matchups, including the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2015 and the semifinals of the Verano 2001 and Clausura 2022. Additionally, Pachuca won the final of the Clausura 2007, solidifying their dominance in this rivalry.
The first leg of América vs. Pachuca will be held at Estadio Hidalgo on May 7, 2025, at 21:10 hours, with the return leg scheduled for May 10, 2025, at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes, also at 21:10 hours. América fans are hopeful that their team can turn the tide after a previous encounter in the same round of the Clausura 2024, which ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing América to advance based on their higher position in the overall standings.
Another exciting matchup features Cruz Azul and León, two teams with a long history of competitive encounters in the Liguilla. León has triumphed over Cruz Azul in several crucial moments, including the quarterfinals of the Apertura 2012 and knockout rounds in the 1991-92 and Clausura 2014 tournaments, where they eliminated Cruz Azul despite the aggregate score being tied.
Cruz Azul, however, boasts victories in the finals of 1972-73 and Verano 1997, giving them a solid historical foundation. Their latest encounter in the Apertura 2022 saw León emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a goal from José Ignacio Rivero. The first leg of their quarterfinal clash will take place on May 8, 2025, at Estadio Nou Camp at 21:10 hours, followed by the return leg at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on May 11, 2025, at 19:00 hours.
Lastly, Necaxa will face Tigres, a matchup that has also produced memorable moments in the Liguilla. Their first encounter in the knockout phase occurred during the 1995-96 season, where Necaxa claimed victory in the quarterfinals. However, the most recent meeting in the Apertura 2022 repechage saw Tigres eliminate Necaxa with a convincing 2-0 win.
The first leg of this quarterfinal will be held at Estadio Victoria on May 8, 2025, at 19:00 hours, with the return leg at Estadio Universitario on May 11, 2025, at 21:10 hours. Fans are eager to see if Tigres can continue their recent dominance or if Necaxa will pull off an upset.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the Liguilla, the anticipation is building among fans and players alike. Each match promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and heart, as teams fight for glory and a chance to lift the coveted trophy at the end of the season. With storied rivalries and high stakes, the Liguilla is set to deliver unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Stay tuned as the matches unfold, and witness the drama of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 Liguilla!
