The Liga Expansión MX quarter-finals are heating up as teams battle for a spot in the semi-finals. In an electrifying first leg, Venados de Yucatán claimed a 2-0 victory over Mineros de Zacatecas at the Estadio Carlos Iturralde Rivero on April 24, 2025, showcasing their determination to advance.
Entering the match as the underdogs after finishing sixth in the regular season, Venados displayed remarkable resilience and skill. The home crowd was a significant factor, rallying behind their team from the first whistle. Venados wasted no time asserting their dominance, and their efforts paid off when Sleyther Lora was fouled in the box by Ricardo Peña, who pushed him down without VAR intervention. This led to a penalty kick that William Guzmán confidently converted, shooting to the left post, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
As the second half unfolded, Venados continued to control the game. In the 70th minute, Lora sealed the victory with a stunning goal. The play initiated from a quick throw-in deep in their half, and after a well-placed pass that reached him at midfield, Lora skillfully maneuvered past defenders before dispatching the ball past the Mineros goalkeeper, clinching a crucial 2-0 lead.
The second leg of this tie is set for Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 19:00 hours, at the Estadio Carlos Vega Villalba, where Mineros will look to overturn the deficit and keep their championship hopes alive.
Meanwhile, in another quarter-final clash, Tepatitlán faced off against the Leones Negros de la U. de G. on April 24, 2025, at the Estadio Tepa Gómez. Tepatitlán entered the match as the eighth seed with a record of five wins, four draws, and five losses, totaling 19 points. In contrast, Leones Negros dominated the regular season, finishing first with 29 points, boasting nine wins, two draws, and only three defeats.
The match kicked off at 20:05 hours (central Mexico time) and was broadcast live across multiple networks, including FOX Sports 3 and Claro Sports. Both teams were eager to make a statement, with Tepatitlán looking to upset the favorites and leverage their home advantage.
In the earlier stages of the tournament, the two teams had met in Jornada 8, where they played to a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for an exciting rematch. As the game unfolded, Tepatitlán aimed to capitalize on their home field, while Leones Negros aimed to assert their dominance once again in the playoffs.
In another intense encounter, Atlético Morelia and Atlante battled to a goalless draw in their quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Morelos. The match, held on April 24, 2025, saw both teams display high intensity and a strong desire to advance. Morelia, backed by their home fans, pressured Atlante early on, creating several scoring opportunities but failing to convert any into goals.
Atlante, known for their disciplined defensive play and counter-attacking prowess, responded with solid organization and tested Morelia's goalkeeper on multiple occasions. The match concluded with a score of 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the return leg, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Estadio Agustín Coruco Díaz.
This matchup carries a historical weight, as both teams previously faced off in the Campeón de Campeones match during the 2021-22 season, where Atlante triumphed in a penalty shootout. The stakes are high as Morelia seeks redemption and a chance to advance, while Atlante aims to leverage their home advantage to secure a place in the semifinals.
As the Liga Expansión MX quarter-finals progress, fans are treated to thrilling matches filled with drama, skill, and the relentless pursuit of glory. With the second legs approaching, the excitement continues to build as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals, promising more unforgettable moments in the coming days.
Stay tuned for all the action as the Liga Expansión MX unfolds, with each game bringing its own unique storylines and rivalries to life. The journey to the championship is just getting started, and with teams like Venados, Tepatitlán, Leones Negros, Morelia, and Atlante in the mix, anything can happen.
