Which Liga MX teams can qualify for the Apertura 2023 playoff quarter-finals on matchday 16?

Liga MX’s Apertura 2023 is drawing to a close, with only two matches remaining (for most clubs) before the end-of-tournament playoffs get underway. A new liguilla format is in play, with the top six teams at the end of the league phase qualifying directly for the quarter-finals, with those finishing between seventh and 10th having to go through the play-in round to be in with a shot at glory.

“Super leader” Club América

After losing their opening game, Club América have been the Mexican top flight’s dominant force in the current tournament and already know they will finish top of the pile with two fixtures left to play. André Jardine’s side are unbeaten in 14 matches, the last six of which they have won.

Tigres and Rayados dreaming of more glory

Tigres can’t catch Las Águilas at the top but are assured of finishing in the top six as they look to secure back-to-back Liga MX titles after their Clausura 2023 victory in the summer. And the results on matchday 15 in midweek, coupled with the fixtures the teams below them have left, means Apertura 2019 winners Monterrey are also in.

Chivas and Tijuana hoping to seal ‘liguilla’ spots

On matchday 16, two more teams have the chance to secure their places in the liguilla quarter-finals. Beaten Clausura 2023 finalists Chivas host Cruz Azul knowing a win could be enough to ensure a top-six finish if Tijuana lose to América or any one of Atlético San Luis, Pumas and Toluca drop points. A draw could also do the trick if Toluca lose to Santos Laguna, and Mazatalán and Pachua fail to win their matchday 16 games.

Tijuana are the other team that could seal qualification this weekend. Should they defeat sixth-placed Atlético Luis, they will finish in the top six if Pumas lose to Atlas and Toluca are also beaten in Torreón.