Monterrey, one of Liga MX’s most successful clubs, is clinging to a playoff spot by the skin of their teeth, risking their first *liguilla* absence since 2016 with only two matchdays left in the Apertura season. It’s a shocking situation, especially considering the big spending they’ve done.
Spending Big, Getting Little: Monterrey’s Playoff Peril
The Rayados laid out cash to bring in Hugo Cuypers and Diego Rossi, expecting a dominant attack, but what have they gotten? A mid-table effort, barely. And that’s not even getting into the defense, which has absolutely struggled. For a club with Monterrey’s history, missing the playoffs would be a massive shocker, but right now, it’s a very real possibility. Every single game is a fight for their season, and next up, they face Club Tijuana.
The Liguilla Race: Everyone’s Watching
While Monterrey fights for their playoff life, Club America is absolutely flying, sitting first with 28 points and a game still in hand. They’ve scored the most goals in the league, looking like a real powerhouse. America has a fascinating match-up against reigning champions Toluca, currently in fifth place. Toluca has battled through injuries and bad luck, but they are healthy now and ready to prove they are still serious contenders.
Then there is Club Tijuana. They have struggled with teenage phenom Gilberto Mora out injured, but this game against Monterrey is absolutely winnable for them. Depending on how the other results shake out, a win could push Tijuana as high as fifth. This short Liga MX season always delivers drama, and the possibility of Monterrey, a historic club, missing out on the playoffs for the first time in nine years is exactly the kind of wild surprise that makes this league so good.
Get ready for some intense soccer, folks! Monterrey goes head-to-head with Club Tijuana on Saturday, October 31, at 9:05 p.m. ET from Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. You can catch all the action on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Monterrey is currently favored at -175 odds, with a draw at +320 and Club Tijuana at +420. Can Monterrey save their streak, or will the *liguilla* start without them for the first time in forever? This is going to be good.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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