What do Cruz Azul and Pumas need to make the playoffs?
Both clubs have 12 points left in play, but can no longer qualify directly - even by winning all of their remaining games.
Two of the big four are in danger of being left out of the Apertura 2022 playoffs. Cruz Azul and Pumas have suffered during the current championship - they are both currently out of the playoff places and cannot afford to lose any of their remaining four games if they are to climb into the top 12.
The good news for both clubs is that they will meet three direct rivals in their final four games. If they can win those games, they will have a chance of making the playoff places. However, the bad news is they must face each other - a defeat or even a draw, could mean that one of them will not be in the final phase.
Matches of the regular phase left to play
Sunday 11 September
Toluca vs Pumas
Cruz Azul vs Mazatlán
Friday 16 September
Cruz Azul vs León
Monday 19 September
Pumas vs Cruz Azul
Saturday 24 September
Puebla vs Pumas
Saturday 1 October
Juárez vs Pumas
Sunday 2 October
Cruz Azul vs Guadalajara