What result does Chivas need to head into the 2023 Clausura final?

América hold a small advantage heading into the Clausura 2023 semi-final return leg. Their rivals Chivas have got it all to do score when the two teams meet at the Azteca to decide the tie on Sunday night. Alejandro Zendejas scored the only goal in Thursday’s first leg at Akron stadium, running onto Diego Valdés’ through ball, then cutting inside to beat Miguel Jiménez with a low finish on his near post. Earlier, Jonathan Rodríguez thought he had put the visitors ahead with a superb volley, but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.

The result complicates Chivas’ chances of making it to the final for the first time since 2017. Not only will they play the return leg away from home, but need to score two goals without conceding any to secure a place the final, where either Tigres or Rayados await.

However, one goal will not be enough for Veljko Paunovic’s team to level the tie - they will need two goals at least, without conceding to progress. The away goals rules doesn’t count in the Liga MX. If the aggregate score is level on full-time on Sunday (ie. 1-1, 2-2...), then it will be the team who finished in the highest position during the regular season that advances. In this case, it would be América, who ended the regular phase in second place in the table - level on points with Chivas (34) but with a better goal difference (+15 compared to +10) who go through to the final.

Liga MX Clausura 2023 regular season table

For their part, América would only need to score one more goal in the second leg at home to win by any score on aggregate. With that, there would likely be no way back for Chivas, who would need to respond by scoring a minimum of three goals to turn the tie around and book their place in the final.