Liga MX Liguilla First Round Preview

Last Updated on November 18, 2025 3:56 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Liguilla arrives with tension, urgency, and high-stakes drama as four clubs prepare for the first knockout battles of the Apertura. This opening round features the teams seeded seventh through tenth fighting for survival in single-elimination matchups, with only two tickets available for the quarterfinals.

While the top six teams rest and prepare, these four must handle the pressure of a do-or-die match to keep their championship dreams alive. Pachuca hosts Pumas in a meeting between two teams entering the postseason with opposite momentum swings, while Tijuana welcomes Juárez in a matchup between sides searching for consistency after uneven finishes. The winners will move on to face the highest-seeded clubs in the Liguilla, meaning momentum becomes a weapon just as fatigue threatens to creep in. With everything on the line and no room for error, this First Round promises tension, intensity, and the signature chaos that defines Mexican postseason football.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the Liga MX, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

Liguilla First Round: Pachuca vs. Pumas

Pachuca enters this matchup carrying the weight of a disappointing end to the regular season. Two straight losses slowed their rhythm and raised concerns about their defensive stability and in-game composure. Playing at home gives them a valuable advantage during a single-game playoff, but they must rediscover urgency and precision if they want to advance. The atmosphere at Estadio Hidalgo is always intense during Liguilla season, and that energy should help Pachuca raise its level.

Pumas, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after closing the regular season on a two-match winning streak. Their late push showed improved fluidity and sharpness, especially in transition play, and they now face this challenge with momentum fully on their side. Even so, winning at Estadio Hidalgo during a knockout match demands near-perfect execution, and Pachuca’s need to respond after their recent setbacks could create the edge they need. The matchup should be tight and competitive, but the hosts look primed to step up in front of their fans and restore belief at the right moment.

Pachuca vs. Pumas Betting Pick: Pachuca

Liguilla First Round: Tijuana vs. Juarez

Tijuana and Juárez arrive in the Liguilla after similar end-of-season form, but Xolos took a crucial step by closing their regular-season campaign with a morale-boosting victory. Playing at Estadio Caliente gives them a genuine advantage, as their home support tends to create a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that often tilts tight matches in their favor. Their direct attacking approach typically becomes more effective on their own turf, especially in postseason scenarios where emotional control matters.

Juárez remains a dangerous opponent, capable of breaking through with organized buildup play and opportunistic counterattacks, but their inconsistency has been a recurring obstacle all season. In a one-match knockout setting, hesitation can be fatal, and Tijuana has looked more assertive and better prepared in recent weeks. Expect a competitive first half as both teams attempt to manage nerves, but the momentum should swing toward Xolos as the game develops.Their late-season spark, home strength, and sharper rhythm give them the tools to secure the win and move on to the quarterfinals.

Tijuana vs. Juarez Betting Pick: Tijuana