Predicting the Winners of Liga MX Liguilla Quarterfinals

The Liguilla is now fully underway. With the first leg of the quarterfinals in the books, it’s time to talk about which clubs will continue in the quest for the title.

America are seeking to become the first two-time champions since Leon accomplished the feat with victories in the 2013 Apertura and 2014 Clausura.

Guadalajara and Veracruz left the relegation zone with good performances throughout the season and are aiming for a spot in the semis too.

Tigres are still in great shape and in good position to make the next stage, despite playing in two competitions.

Let’s take a look.

America lost 3-2 to Pachuca at Estadio Hidalgo in the first leg of their quarterfinal series.

Now, Las Aguilas are obliged to win by one on home soil to get a ticket for the semifinals, and it looks very possible.

Before losing to Pachuca, America’s toughest defeat came against Herediano. Las Aguilas lost 3-0 in Costa Rica, but then took advantage of playing at the Estadio Azteca and trashed the Florenses 6-0.

Gustavo Matosas’ side have proved to be strong in two-legged competitions.

In the final showdown of the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League, America and Montreal Impact left Mexico City with a one-goal draw, but in Canada, Las Aguilas secured a 2-4 victory to win the tournament.

If there's a team that have a great chance to win the 2015 Clausura tournament, that's Tigres.

They have managed to stay competitive in the Liga MX and the Copa Libertadores, which has been very tough for other Mexican clubs—mainly because all the travelling wears down the players.

Beyond that, UANL have players on top of their game in every position. Their offensive line has come together masterfully— Rafael Sobis, Joffre Guerron and Enrique Esqueda have performed excellently.

Tigres will play the second leg of the quarterfinals on home soil, where they haven't lost since January. After a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Corona, could this be more bad news for Santos? All UANL need to qualify to the next stage is a one-goal draw, due to their higher-seeding

The first leg of the Guadalajara derby was far from impressive and ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Guadalajara didn’t take advantage of playing on their own turf.

They will visit Atlas in the second leg, which means returning to their former ground: Estadio Jalisco. The last time they met there, in Week 12, the game ended in a one-goal draw.

Chivas had clear goal opportunities in the first match, especially from Marco Fabian, but they couldn’t put the ball away.

Now, Atlas need a win or just a scoreless draw to advance—thanks to their status as the higher-seeded team—which seems tough as they are the ninth best defensive unit of the 2015 Clausura and have the fifth worst offense of the tournament.

Veracruz were close to securing a one-goal draw against Queretaro, but Yasser Corona overturned the score in the last minute of the match for the home side to claim a 2-1 win.

It was a fair result for Gallos Blancos, as they pushed harder. Now they have to play at Estadio Luis “Pirata” Fuente, where Tiburones Rojos haven’t won since Matchday 11 (March).

Actually, Veracruz have only one victory (away) in their last seven games.

If Queretaro coach Victor Manuel Vucetich manages to keep the structure and makes key substitutions, this series should be his.