The Liga MX playoffs begin Wednesday with the league's eight best teams all hoping to make a run to the championship.
Goal's Jon Arnold previews each matchup below:
Morelia v. Toluca
What to watch for: Neither of these teams are 'grandes' but both have played well during the regular season. Wednesday's opener will be critical for the Red Devils. Morelia is much more comfortable playing patiently and protecting a lead if Raul Ruidiaz and Diego Valdes are able to produce a goal up front and far less used to playing from behind. Hernan Cristante's side must come out and attack like it has done in other home matches late in the year to hang in the series.
Leon v. Tigres
What to watch for: Leon played poorly in its final two matches of the regular season. Can Gustavo Diaz find the same fire in his team that it showed in a six-match winning streak when he took over midseason? That streak included a 1-0 Leon victory in the Camp Nou the last time Tigres visited. After being held against Monterrey, Tigres' attack is sure to be eager to find the back of the net and will test a Leon back line that has been improved but is still inconsistent.
Cruz Azul v. Club America
What to watch for: America was pleased to lock up the third seed and meet its Mexico City rivals. Look at recent results and you can see why. Las Aguilas have won the last four meetings between the teams and are unbeaten in the last seven. Cruz Azul is back in the postseason for the first time since the 2014 Clausura but now must prove it's not a fluke. Paco Jemez has a delicate balance of not wanting to fall behind in the first leg but also needing to get goals. America's attack has stagnated in recent weeks but don't be shocked to see an away goal that could get them right back into gear.
Atlas v. Monterrey
What to watch for: Can anyone stop Monterrey's attack? Nobody was able to during the regular season. Even if you're able to mark one player out of the game, someone between Aviles Hurtado, Rogelio Funes Mori, Dorlan Pabon or Carlos Sanchez can do damage. Atlas also is likely to struggle with finding a goal. The Foxes scored once in the teams' regular season meeting, but that was one of just a dozen goals Monterrey conceded in the tournament and they'll be on high alert in the opening leg.
