América Faces Elimination Threat in Liguilla Quarterfinals

Mexico City, Mexico — Club América faces a crucial test on Saturday as they strive to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the Apertura 2025 tournament.

The Águilas lost the first leg midweek and need to win by two goals to extend their streak to eight consecutive semifinal appearances. Head coach André Jardine expressed confidence in his team, stating, “This team believes in what we can do. We will see a team hungry until the last minute.”

America not only aims to keep its semifinal streak alive but also strives to avoid breaking their unique achievement of reaching four consecutive finals, a feat not accomplished since the 1960s. However, they struggled this season with goal-scoring, as their leading scorer, a Uruguayan player, managed only four goals, hampered by injuries among key forwards.

Jardine confirmed Martin, who has been sidelined, could return for the match, while a French player who missed the first leg due to illness might also be back. Monterrey, led by coach Domenec Torrent, requires only a draw or a one-goal loss to advance.

<p“Knowing it will be a complicated match, we would be mistaken to think we accomplished something big; we’ve only taken one step,” Torrent stated.

Meanwhile, defending champions Toluca, managed by Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed, narrowly beat Ciudad Juarez 2-1. Toluca can advance with any draw or a one-goal loss in their home leg of the quarterfinals. Mohamed praised his players’ character after overcoming an early goal against them.

The game between the Americas and Monterrey will take place at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City, while Toluca looks to maintain their title-winning form. Another match features Tijuana with a commanding 3-0 lead over their opponent as they also aim to secure their semifinal position.

Several teams, including Cruz Azul, are fighting to stay alive amid rising expectations for championship titles, heightening pressure on players and coaches alike as the Liga MX returns to action this weekend.