Monterrey, Tigres, Toluca, and Cruz Azul advanced to the Apertura 2025 Liga MX semifinals after dramatic quarterfinal series. The matchups are Monterrey versus Toluca, and Tigres against Cruz Azul. These ties promise intensity in the race for final spots.
The Liga MX wrapped up the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals with results full of drama and comebacks. Tigres achieved a historic turnaround by thrashing Tijuana 5-0 in the return leg, after a 0-3 loss in the first, with goals from Juan Brunetta (two, including a 30' penalty), Nicolás Ibáñez (15'), Ozziel Herrera (72'), and Juan Pablo Vigón (93'). The aggregate was 5-3, though the match ended with a brawl sparked by Diego Laínez's provocation.
Monterrey ousted América on a 3-2 aggregate, courtesy of Germán Berterame's dramatic header in the 90+3 of the return leg, which they lost 1-2 (goals by Alejandro Zendejas and José Raúl Zúñiga for the Eagles). Sergio Ramos-led defense proved crucial.
Defending champions Toluca held their lead with a 0-0 draw against Juárez in the return, securing a 2-1 aggregate. In the first leg, the Diablos came back 1-2 with strikes from Antonio Briseño (56') and Paulinho (66'), after Murillo's early goal for Juárez. Paulinho created chances but no further scores.
Cruz Azul clinched their spot with a 3-2 win over Chivas in the return, following a 0-0 first leg, for a 3-2 aggregate. Chicharito Hernández missed a penalty for the rojiblancos, and Charly Rodríguez scored the decisive goal for the Máquina.
The eliminated teams were América, Juárez, Tijuana, and Chivas. The semifinals pit Monterrey's solidity against Toluca, with Tigres and Cruz Azul set for an explosive clash.
