Rayados Roll, but Quarterfinal Drama Is Just Getting Started
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Liga MX Quarterfinals: Leg 1 Recap & What’s Next
Leg 1 of the Liga MX quarterfinals had a little bit of everything—goals, drama, and a whole lot of tension. Monterrey vs. Toluca was easily the game of the round so far, ending in a wild 3-2 win for Rayados. The rest of the matchups? Tight and tactical…maybe a little boring, too? América and Pachuca canceled each other out in a 0-0 chess match, same with Tigres vs. Necaxa. Cruz Azul and León just kicked off their battle, and that one looks like it’ll be a grind too…
The Monterrey-Toluca clash lived up to the hype. Toluca got on the board first thanks to an early own goal by Víctor Guzmán, but Monterrey roared back with three straight from Deossa, Canales, and Berterame. Luan García’s late goal for Toluca made it 3-2 and keeps things interesting heading into Leg 2. Monterrey had the edge in shots, possession, and overall control, but Toluca’s ability to strike on the counter is something Rayados will need to watch in the return leg.
Now it’s all about Saturday and Sunday. Can Toluca flip the script at home and complete the comeback? Will América finally turn up the offense and put away Pachuca? Tigres looked a bit flat in their opener—can they turn it on against Necaxa? And don’t sleep on Cruz Azul vs. León—two well-matched teams looking to break the deadlock. No more away goals rule, so it’s simple now: win, or go home.
As always, the CABRA boys have your best bets lined up for the weekend below!
Club America First Round Exit??
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LOCK OF THE WEEK
Club America vs Pachuca
Don’t Panic—Club América Is Still Headed to the Semis
Let the skeptics talk! Let the haters point at the 0-0 draw and América’s recent struggles in front of goal. But here’s the truth: Las Águilas are right where they want to be—and they’re not done yet. Saturday night at the Estadio Azteca is going to be different. The reigning Clausura champs know how to turn it on when it matters most, and don’t be surprised when they punch their ticket to the semifinals.
Yes, the first leg was tight. But that was the plan. América's defense has been lights out—3 clean sheets in the last 5, only two goals conceded in that span, and 17 shutouts on the season. This team knows how to grind. And let’s not forget: they haven’t lost at home in five straight matches. That fortress in Mexico City? It's where big teams go to finish the job. Expect a more aggressive setup in Leg 2, possibly with an extra forward or a tweak in tactics to find that breakthrough moment.
Pachuca’s been solid, sure—they’ve scored in 14 straight road games and come in with confidence. But this is América at home with everything on the line. Big clubs live for these moments. So go ahead and doubt them if you want. Just don’t be shocked when América rises, blocks out the noise, and books their spot in the next round. The kings aren't ready to give up their crown just yet…
Club América 2 - 0 Pachuca
Here’s how it goes down: América comes out with more urgency and finally breaks their scoring drought early—look for a set-piece goal or a moment of magic from Diego Valdés or Julián Quiñones. Once they’re up, that rock-solid defense locks in and frustrates Pachuca all night. A late second goal on the counter seals it, and the Azteca roars as Las Águilas march into the semis like the champions they are.
Bookmark it. The kings fly on. 🦅🔥
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