Football General Manager
- América, with three points, have the best shot
- Cruz Azul and Chivas sit on two
- Pumas, the other “big four” sidw, currently rank fifth
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Three of Mexico‘s so-called “big four” clubs are on the verge of crashing out of the Leagues Cup – and doing so in disappointing fashion. While Pumas are in relatively stable position with five points (fifth among Liga MX teams), the outlook is much more precarious for Club América, Chivas, and Cruz Azul.n
BALLGM looks at what each team needs to do to advance in the tournament…
Las Águilas have been frustratingly inconsistent in their Leagues Cup campaign. A 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake saw them miss out on the extra point in the penalty shootout. They followed it up with another draw, this time 3-3 versus Minnesota United – a game where they did secure the bonus point from the spot. That leaves them with three points and slim mathematical hope.
To sneak into the next round, América must beat Portland Timbers and rely on a cascade of favorable results. Clubs like Juárez, Mazatlán, Toluca, and even Pumas (all on five points) need to remain below six. Teams such as Necaxa, Pachuca, Puebla, and Tijuana also need to drop points – otherwise, América’s campaign could end prematurely.
The story isn’t much better for Guadalajara. After a last-minute loss to NY Red Bulls in their opener, they drew 2–2 with Charlotte FC and won the extra point in penalties – leaving them with just two points from two games. Like América, they need a win in their final match and a long list of favorable outcomes elsewhere to stay alive.
Chivas’ path is further complicated by their proximity in the standings to other desperate Liga MX sides like Monterrey, who also sit on two points and are hoping for a final day miracle.
La Máquina had one of the worst starts imaginable, suffering a humiliating 7–0 defeat to Seattle Sounders. They responded with a 1–1 draw against LA Galaxy and managed to steal the extra point on penalties – but even that wasn’t enough to control their destiny.
With just two points and 13 Mexican clubs ranked ahead of them, Cruz Azul need more than a win against the Colorado Rapids – they need chaos. Even with three points, their goal differential and low placement make advancement highly unlikely unless several results go their way.
