Liga MX enters its final sprint before the Liguilla in crucial october heat

The Apertura 2025 is heading toward its grand finale, and October will decide everything. With just a few rounds left before the Liguilla, the Liga MX calendar is packed with crucial matches that could shift the balance at the top, and seal the fate of those fighting to stay alive.
Friday, October 17: The weekend kicks off with fire
The round begins at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, where Puebla host Tijuana at 9:00 PM (ET), followed by Atlético de San Luis vs. Atlas at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez. The night closes in Monterrey with Tigres UANL facing Necaxa at 11:00 PM (ET) inside El Volcán, a match that could strengthen Tigres’ position among the top contenders.
Saturday, October 18: Nine hours of pure Liga MX drama
The day opens at 7:00 PM (ET) with three simultaneous games: FC Juárez vs. Pachuca at the Olímpico Benito Juárez, Santos vs. León at the Corona in Torreón, and Toluca vs. Querétaro at the Nemesio Diez.
At 9:00 PM, Monterrey host Pumas UNAM at the Estadio BBVA, followed closely by Guadalajara vs. Mazatlán FC at 9:07 PM in the Estadio Akron. The night ends with one of the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend, Cruz Azul vs. América at 11:05 PM (ET) in Mexico City, a clásico capitalino that could impact the Liguilla picture directly.
Tuesday, October 21: Midweek tension
The action resumes with four matches that could define playoff margins. América host Puebla at 9:00 PM, while Necaxa welcome Cruz Azul at the Estadio Victoria at the same time. Later, Mazatlán FC take on Santos Laguna at 11:00 PM, and Monterrey face FC Juárez at the BBVA at 11:05 PM (ET).
Wednesday, October 22: Final battles before the last round
October closes with a high-voltage midweek slate. Pachuca host Tigres UANL at the Estadio Hidalgo at 9:00 PM, a clash between two of the league’s most balanced sides. Simultaneously, Querétaro receive Guadalajara at 9:00 PM at La Corregidora, while Atlas face León in the Jalisco at 11:00 PM.
The round wraps up with Tijuana vs. Toluca at the Estadio Caliente (11:00 PM) and Pumas UNAM vs. Atlético San Luis at 11:05 PM in the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a match likely to decide the final playoff spots.
The stakes couldn’t be higher
With América, Tigres, and Pachuca leading the charge and teams like Monterrey, Chivas, Toluca, and León fighting for direct qualification, every point in October carries extra weight. Clubs in mid-table like Cruz Azul, Pumas, and Querétaro are also eyeing the play-in spots, turning every goal into a lifeline.
The next two weeks will test depth, consistency, and mentality. By the time the final whistle blows on October 22, the road to the Apertura 2025 Liguilla will be all but set.
All match times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).
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