By Reinaldo Oliveros
Nov 22, 2024, 08:15 AM EST
The 2024 Liga MX Apertura Play-In left a memorable spectacle in its first phase.
Everything will be defined in a final duel between the Rojinegros del Atlas and the Xolos de Tijuana, who will seek the last available place in the quarterfinals of the Liguilla.
Next Sunday, November 24, the Caliente Stadium will be the scene of a high-voltage match.
Xolos and Rojinegros will face each other for the eighth and final place in the Liguilla. Both teams arrive hungry, and the result promises to be unpredictable.
Atlas surprises Chivas in an unforgettable Tapatío Classic
In the first matchup of the Play-In, the Rojinegros del Atlas beat the Chivas del Guadalajara 2-1 in a dramatic Clásico Tapatío held at the Akron Stadium.
When everything pointed to extra time, Aldo Rocha dressed as a hero by scoring a goal at minute 90+14 that unleashed madness on the red and black bench.
America advances on penalties and leaves Xolos on the tightrope
For their part, Tijuana and América played out an electrifying 2-2 draw at the Caliente Stadium.
In the shootout, the Águilas were more accurate, winning 3-2 and ensuring their direct pass to the quarterfinals, while Tijuana will have to risk their lives against Atlas.
Defined quarterfinals
With the results of the Play-In, three of the four matchups in the quarterfinals are already confirmed:
- Toluca vs. America
- Tigers vs. Atlético San Luis
- Pumas vs. Monterey
The university students will seek to beat Rayados who finished in fifth place.
The fourth confrontation, which will define Cruz Azul’s rival, will be between Tijuana and Atlas. The Liguilla promises, as always, an explosion of emotions.
Keep reading:
– Luis Malagón, in the role of hero, places América in the league
– Tim Howard criticized Christian Pulisic for celebrating with a Trump-style dance
– Atlas “buried” Chivas 2-1 and continues ahead in the play-in