Chivas is playing for much more than just three points tonight in Aguascalientes. Against Club Necaxa, Guadalajara not only has the chance to take a nearly decisive step toward securing the top spot in the Clausura 2026, but could also begin to clearly identify its opponent for the quarterfinals.
If Chivas wins, they would practically lock in first place and focus on a very specific group of contenders fighting to secure the eighth seed. The scenario is clear: Chivas controls its own destiny, and its potential opponent also starts to take shape from today.
This match doesn’t just impact the top of the table—it also shakes up the race for the final playoff spot.
If Guadalajara defeats Necaxa, it would mathematically eliminate them and narrow the field to a group that adds pressure and intrigue: Club América, Atlas F.C., Club León, and Tigres UANL, with Club Tijuana as the only team that could still sneak in. In other words, Chivas’ opponent would definitely come from that group.
The scenarios begin to take shape starting this very matchday. Atlas and Tigres, two directly involved teams, face off in Guadalajara in a match that could reshape the standings: whoever loses will be in serious trouble. If Tigres wins, for example, they could climb as high as seventh place and push both Atlas and León down the table.
Meanwhile, Tijuana must defeat C.F. Pachuca; otherwise, they’ll be eliminated from contention. By Matchday 17, things get even more interesting: León will visit Deportivo Toluca F.C., Tigres will host Mazatlán F.C., and América will face Atlas in another direct clash.
Guadalajara, on the other hand, will host Tijuana, who—if they win today—would arrive at Estadio Akron fighting for a spot in the next round.
So, although there are many possible combinations and the margin is slim, the trend is clear: the eighth seed—and Chivas’ potential quarterfinal opponent—will come from that group. León, Atlas, América, and Tigres appear to be the strongest candidates, with Tijuana as the “dark horse” that still has a chance if they finish perfectly.
Necaxa, meanwhile, would need an almost ideal scenario: defeat Chivas today and win their final match away against Cruz Azul to stay alive.
Everything remains open, and it looks like Guadalajara—if they confirm first place—will face a strong opponent right from the start of the playoffs.
Standings (teams involved)
Team / Matches played / Points / Goal difference
6 – América / 16 / 25 / +4
7 – Atlas / 15 / 22 / -3
8 – León / 16 / 22 / -7
9 – Tigres / 15 / 21 / +6
10 – Tijuana / 15 / 19 / 0
12 – Necaxa / 15 / 17 / -3
