Club America stumble sets up Liga MX playoff showdown with Pumas: When is the Clásico Capitalino?
América finish the league phase in eighth placed after losing to Atlas, setting up a ‘liguilla’ quarterfinal against rivals Pumas.
In the closing match of Saturday’s action on Matchday 17 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026, Club América suffered a 1-0 loss to Atlas at Estadio Banorte.
Despite already securing a playoff spot, América could have avoided a matchup with Pumas by earning a draw or a win against Diego Cocca’s side. Pumas, meanwhile, finished the regular season as tournament leaders after defeating Pachuca.
A late goal from Alfonso “Ponchito” Gonzalez proved decisive, sending América down to eighth place in the Clausura 2026 standings. As a result, Las Águilas will now face Pumas in the postseason.
The first leg of the quarterfinal clash will take place on the weekend of May 2-3, with the return game held on the weekend of May 9-10.
Confirmed playoff matchups taking shape
Following Saturday’s results, two Liga MX playoff ties are already locked in: Club América vs. Pumas UNAM and Chivas vs. Tigres.
The remaining two quarterfinal matchups will be determined on Sunday, when Cruz Azul hosts Necaxa in the team’s return to Estadio Banorte.
If Cruz Azul wins or draws, they would climb to third place and set up a meeting with Atlas in the quarterfinals. If they lose, they would instead face Toluca, with the series opening in Mexico City before shifting to Estadio Nemesio Diez.
America holds edge over Pumas in playoff history
Recent playoff history marginally favors Club América in this rivalry. In their last five postseason meetings, América has eliminated Pumas three times, including twice in the quarterfinals and once in the semifinals.
In the Apertura 2014 playoffs, America advanced on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw. In the Clausura 2018 quarterfinals, they dominated with a 6-2 aggregate win, and later that same year in the Apertura 2018 semifinals, they routed Pumas 7-2 on aggregate.
Pumas, however, have had their moments. They knocked out América in the Apertura 2015 semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate win, and again in the Apertura 2021 quarterfinals with a 3-1 series victory.
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