Cruz Azul Leads Liga MX Standings, MLS Playoffs Take Shape

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From LatiNation Sports

Cruz Azul Surges as Liga MX and MLS Playoff Races Take Shape

With the Liga MX season nearing its end, teams are fighting for the final playoff places. Cruz Azul has won its last five matches, avoiding its usual late-season struggles and moving into first place.

América remains firmly in second after conceding a late equalizer against Pumas. América is tied on points with Chivas, with goal differential separating them. Toluca is close behind, while Atlas has officially secured a place in La Liguilla.

Santos Laguna has become one of the season’s most encouraging stories. After spending the previous two tournaments near the bottom of the standings, the team came alive during the second half of this season and could be dangerous. The club’s president is only 24 years old and is the son of the team’s former president and owner.

León, Pachuca, Tijuana, Monterrey and Pumas remain in the mix. Pumas is still alive after its draw with América, sitting 11th with 21 points. However, Monterrey is ahead with a game in hand that will be played Wednesday. A win would likely secure Monterrey’s seventh-place position. Pumas must win and then wait for other results, leaving its qualification hopes in a difficult position.

In MLS, the Galaxy was eliminated in the final minute and failed to reach even the play-in game. LAFC has not been playing much better, but it is in the playoffs.

Seattle and Real Salt Lake will meet in the Western Conference play-in game, with the winner advancing to face Vancouver. On the other side of the bracket, Orlando and Cincinnati will compete for the final playoff spot and the opportunity to face Nashville.

The MLS playoff format begins with a single-elimination play-in game. The first round then changes to a best-of-three series, if all three matches are needed.