Atlas walking a tightrope towards the playoffs

Atlas has gone five straight games without a win in the Clausura 2026 tournament, collecting just three points from the last 15 available. Despite the slump, the forgiving competition format keeps the team in eighth place – for now the final playoff spot. That safety net, however, has not dulled the squad’s focus, as the priority shifts to finishing the campaign strongly to secure a place in the postseason.

“First and foremost, we’re focused on closing out the tournament in the best possible way, especially because we’re in playoff positions,” captain Aldo Rocha said. “We can’t lose sight of that, and we have to stay motivated, because we’ve gone several tournaments without qualifying.” The midfielder emphasized a game-by-game mentality as the team looks to steady itself down the stretch.

Attention now turns to a road trip against sister club Santos Laguna. Atlas has struggled away from home, making this matchup a key test of character. Rocha acknowledged the challenge, noting the need to translate daily work on the training ground into results. “We need to be stronger as visitors. It hasn’t gone the way we wanted, but we’re focused on what we’re doing every day. That’s what will bring positive results,” he explained.

On a personal level, Rocha said motivation comes from the stakes. “Getting three points, staying in playoff spots, and reaching our first objective – qualifying – that’s what drives me,” he said. The team is still feeling the frustration of a recent home result that fell short of expectations. “It left a bitter taste. We worked to win that game and didn’t get it, but the group knows what’s on the line.”

Even so, Rocha believes the squad remains united and resilient heading into the final stretch. “The group is very committed and very tight-knit. Everyone contributes – whether they play, come off the bench, or support in training,” he said. That internal competition, he added, has helped raise the overall level.

With little margin for error, the message is clear inside the locker room. “We have to value what’s at stake and where we’ve been all tournament, which is inside the top eight,” Rocha said. “Now it’s about finishing strong to achieve that first goal of qualifying. Right now, all we’re thinking about is Torreón and Sunday’s game.”

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