8 key Liga MX games down the home stretch

Mexico City derby highlights final weekend

No. 2 Pumas at No. 4 Cruz Azul

The way the Tigres are playing, this Mexico City clash could be for the No. 3 seed in the Liga MX playoffs. Then again, if Cruz Azul has not fixed its broken offense, the Cementeros could be desperately trying to hang onto a top 8 seed (particularly if they lose to the Chivas on Matchday 15).

Cruz Azul had been unbeaten at home until losing to the Tigres on Matchday 14, so they can’t count on Fortress Azteca. Besides UNAM has only lost once on the road all season and that was at León.

Depending on what happens in the prior two matches, I’d expect the Pumas to try and play lock-down defense and frustrate the Cementeros. With Cruz Azul pressing to defend its home turf and head into the playoffs with a win, UNAM could find space behind the Cementeros defense.

First and foremost, this game will hinge on which veteran goalie (39-year-old Jesús Corona or 38-year-old Alfredo Talavera) stands tallest.

No. 6 Monterrey at No. 7 Guadalajara

With Cruz Azul slumping and the Aguilas hobbling, the winner of this match could be poised to steal the No. 4 seed and a first-round playoff bye. On the other hand, the loser could face the possibility of missing out on home-field advantage in the wildcard round.

You might have noticed that the Chivas are featured in each matchday of this exercise so they could be facing battle fatigue by the time this game rolls around. Then again, they could also be on a huge roll and with the talent they have up front, this could be a dangerous team for the Rayados to face.

Neither team will want to enter the playoffs on a down note, so this contest will be intense. This should be another high-flying affair.