Strengths and Weaknesses of the Teams in the 2025 Clausura Liguilla

The quarterfinals of the 2025 Clausura Liguilla kick off this Wednesday after a two-and-a-half-week break for the top six teams on the general table. As the top eight squads in Mexican football gear up to compete for the title, the reigning champions America are aiming for a fourth consecutive win.

Toluca

Strengths: 1. They boast the best offense, having scored 41 goals. 2. Excelled on the road with 17 points as the top away team. 3. Undefeated at home during the regular phase.

Weaknesses: 1. Uncertainty in goal since Tiago Volpi’s departure. 2. Defense has conceding 22 goals, among the weakest in their group. 3. Struggled to score in Liguilla for a year.

America

Strengths: 1. As three-time champions, they bring experience in knock-out matches. 2. Key players are back in action after the break. 3. Strongest defense, allowing only 10 goals.

Weaknesses: 1. Injuries to key players like Jonathan dos Santos. 2. Ended the tournament poorly, earning just 7 points out of 15. 3. Face a challenging rivalry against Pachuca.

Cruz Azul

Strengths: 1. Leading the league with a 10-game unbeaten streak. 2. Riding high on positive morale under Vicente Sanchez’s leadership. 3. Unbeaten at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

Weaknesses: 1. Setback with Gabriel Fernández’s injury. 2. Vicente Sánchez lacks experience in Liguillas. 3. Ranked third worst offense among qualifiers.

Tigres

Strengths: 1. Known for their robust defense, second least goals conceded. 2. Impressive home performance with just one loss. 3. Productive duo of Brunetta and Gorriarán.

Weaknesses: 1. Struggling as the worst away team among qualifiers. 2. Guido Pizarro is new to coaching. 3. Recent Concacaf elimination still looms.

Necaxa

Strengths: 1. Cambindo, the top scorer, is back in form. 2. Strong away game performance. 3. Coach Larcamón brings Liguilla experience.

Weaknesses: 1. Poor home results, worst among qualified teams. 2. Hold the weakest defense of the group. 3. Historically poor outcomes in Liguillas.

León

Strengths: 1. Solid defense, ranked fourth in fewest goals allowed. 2. Offensive prowess with James and Cádiz. 3. Led by the experienced Andrés Guardado.

Weaknesses: 1. Struggling after being knocked out of the Club World Cup. 2. Among the weakest finishes of the qualifiers. 3. Missing James Rodríguez at the Liguilla’s start.

Pachuca

Strengths: 1. Led by seasoned coach Guillermo Almada. 2. Strong home performance. 3. Dynamic scorer duo of Rondón and Kennedy.

Weaknesses: 1. Closed the tournament season poorly. 2. Second most goals conceded among qualifiers. 3. Lack of depth on the bench.

Monterrey

Strengths: 1. Sergio Canales returns to the squad. 2. Sergio Ramos adds strength in set-pieces. 3. ‘Tecatito’ Corona bringing positive moments.

Weaknesses: 1. Instability in goalkeeping with Andrada. 2. Uncertainty in coaching decisions. 3. Second weakest defense in the league.