Liga MX Playoffs Showdown: Will Toluca Defend Their Title or Will a Dark Horse Rise to the Challenge?n

Liga MX Playoffs Are Here: Can Toluca Secure Their Title or Will an Underdog Surprise?

By Cesar Hernandez – November 25, 2025, 11:46 AM ET

With the conclusion of the 2025 Apertura regular season and the play-in round involving teams ranked 7th to 10th, eight clubs have advanced to the Liga MX playoffs this week.

As expected, many of the prominent teams in Liga MX are set to compete in the postseason. The defending champions, Toluca, are positioned at the top, while fan favorites like Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara have also secured playoff spots. Other traditional contenders such as Tigres, Monterrey, and Cruz Azul complete the playoff lineup.

Nevertheless, surprises and memorable moments are often seen in the Liguilla. This leads us to ponder: which team will emerge victorious?

Team-by-Team Analysis for the Liga MX Playoffs

Tier 1: Championship Contenders

Toluca

Regular season record: 11 Wins, 4 Draws, 2 Losses (1st place)
League titles: 11

Path to Playoffs

Toluca started the season slowly with a 3-1-2 record but bounced back to currently hold a 12-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Although key player Alexis Vega is sidelined due to injury, top scorer Paulinho has delivered significant contributions with 12 goals, tying for the league lead.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Toluca is undoubtedly the most potent attacking team in Liga MX, leading in expected goals (xG) with 33.71 and total goals scored (43). While they boast significant firepower, the status of Vega’s fitness remains a crucial concern. Defensively, teams such as Atlas, Pachuca, and Tijuana have caused them issues recently.

Player to Monitor

Watch out for Paulinho, who has proven to be a vital asset since joining Toluca in 2024. The 33-year-old striker is among the best forwards currently in the Mexican league.

Postseason Outlook

Toluca is predicted to reach the final and should face no major challenges against No. 8 seed FC Juárez. The atmosphere at Toluca’s home ground is known to be electric, likely providing the team with an extra edge.

Club América

Regular season record: 10 Wins, 4 Draws, 3 Losses (4th place)
League titles: 16 (most in Liga MX)

Path to Playoffs

After a strong start, América faced setbacks with two losses to playoff-bound teams. Brazilian coach André Jardine has previously excelled in playoff situations, leading the team to three league titles since 2023.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Although traditionally known for their offensive prowess, Club América’s defense excels too, topping the league in successful tackles and aerial duels. However, they struggle to score early in games, having netted only 10 goals in the first half, the lowest among playoff teams.

Player to Monitor

Look out for American international Alejandro Zendejas, who has made a notable comeback from injury and is a significant attacking threat.

Postseason Outlook

Zendejas is expected to be crucial for success, while Allan Saint-Maximin is poised to deliver standout performances in critical playoff matches.

Tigres UANL

Regular season record: 10 Wins, 6 Draws, 1 Loss (2nd place)
League titles: 8

Path to Playoffs

Following a 3-1 loss to Club América in August, Tigres remain unbeaten in their last 13 Liga MX matches. With young manager Guido Pizarro at the helm, they are tough to defeat, though they have recorded several draws.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Known as “El Volcan“, Tigres’ home stadium is notoriously difficult for opponents. Yet, no playoff team accrued more yellow cards (46), indicating some indiscipline.

Player to Monitor

With André-Pierre Gignac nearing the end of his career, Ángel Correa has emerged as a key player, providing significant goal contributions as Tigres head into the playoffs.

Postseason Outlook

Expect Gignac to shine in the playoffs, possibly delivering memorable performances in what could be one of his final seasons.

Tier 2: Underdogs

Chivas de Guadalajara

Regular season record: 9 Wins, 2 Draws, 6 Losses (6th place)
League titles: 12

Path to Playoffs

Chivas had a rocky start but surged with seven victories in their last eight matches. Manager Gabriel Milito has found success with a decisive 3-4-2-1 formation.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Chivas excel in regaining possession in opposition territory, though they struggle to convert scoring opportunities, boasting the lowest shots on target percentage in the league.

Player to Monitor

Keep an eye on Armando “Hormiga” González, a rising star who leads the league with 12 goals.

Postseason Outlook

Chivas are set to deliver the first shock of the playoffs by defeating Cruz Azul, channeling the momentum of their recent form.

Cruz Azul

Regular season record: 10 Wins, 5 Draws, 2 Losses (3rd place)
League titles: 9

Path to Playoffs

Cruz Azul began the season strong but has since faced challenges, including an injury to goalkeeper Kevin Mier, affecting their playoff chances.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The team’s possession-play under coach Nicolás Larcamón is a highlight, leading to numerous regained possessions in midfield. However, Mier’s injury raises concerns about their goalkeeping depth.

Player to Monitor

Carlos “Charly” Rodríguez has been the main creative force, leading in chances created throughout the regular season.

Postseason Outlook

Cruz Azul might struggle in the playoffs, facing the possibility of an early exit due to inconsistent results.

Monterrey

Regular season record: 9 Wins, 4 Draws, 4 Losses (5th place)
League titles: 5

Path to Playoffs

Despite having a roster full of talent, Monterrey’s season has been tumultuous, closing out with several disappointing results.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Monterrey boasts a roster featuring stars like Sergio Ramos and Anthony Martial, but balancing such talent has proven challenging, impacting the team’s consistency.

Player to Monitor

Sergio Ramos remains a crucial figure, leading the league in pass completion rates as he navigates what could be his last season with the team.

Postseason Outlook

Given their recent form, Monterrey could face an unfortunate early exit from the playoffs.

Tier 3: Long Shots

Club Tijuana

Regular season record: 6 Wins, 6 Draws, 5 Losses (7th place)
League titles: 1

Path to Playoffs

Club Tijuana has faced inconsistencies, but they secured a playoff spot by defeating Juárez in the play-in. Manager Sebastián Abreu has done well considering his limited resources.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Tijuana has been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten during the regular season. However, their lack of depth has often hindered their ability to close out games.

Player to Monitor

Watch out for Gilberto Mora, a young talent gaining recognition and capable of impactful performances.

Postseason Outlook

While Mora may dazzle, Tijuana’s chances of beating Tigres are slim, and a quarterfinal exit would still be a notable achievement.

FC Juárez

Regular season record: 6 Wins, 5 Draws, 6 Losses (8th place)
League titles: 0

Path to Playoffs

Juárez has exhibited inconsistency throughout the season, advancing to the playoffs after a recent victory over Pachuca.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The team has been effective in the air, leading in header shots, but their goal count of 27 is the lowest among playoff teams.

Player to Monitor

Óscar Estupiñán leads Juárez in scoring and will be pivotal in any hopes for success in the playoffs.

Postseason Outlook

Juárez is simply glad to qualify, but they may struggle against Toluca, making any loss acceptable after years of playoff absences.

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