The first leg of the Liga MX playoffs took place on Wednesday and Thursday, but it failed to provide many answers. The underdogs performed well on Wednesday, including eight-seed Pumas taking a 1-0 aggregate lead on top-seed Club America. Thursday went the way of the favorites. The second leg matches take place this weekend, but the team that will progress is anyone’s guess.
Club America, Tigres and Atlas are all tied with 31 points at the end of the Apertura regular season. Tigres and Atlas were successful in their first leg matches with Tigres getting an away goal against Pachuca. Atlas have a 1-0 lead on Monterrey. In the other quarterfinal match, Toluca secured an away goal in a 1-1 draw with Chiapas.
No team had an impressive performance that makes them the clear-cut favorite. Current form may have been a good predictor for America, who were winless in their final four matches of the regular season. They were booed off the field against Atlas. However, form meant little for Chiapas, who were riding a great five-game streak to finish the season. Now their back is against the wall in the second leg.
It may be best to analyze the Liguilla one game at a time, and right now the away goals rule. Tigres, Atlas and Toluca should move on. America will have a chance to show why they topped the table at their home stadium. A Tigres-Atlas semifinal match may prove to be the true final. Given America’s lack of passion in recent weeks, most feel it is just a matter of time until they are bounced out.
Things could change quickly once the quarterfinal matches conclude this weekend. For now there are not many answers as to which team will find its form in the playoffs.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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