Pumas head to play-in with history on their side
Pumas face Pachuca in the Apertura 2025 play-in round - a rematch of the teams’ clash in the Clausura 2024.
The Apertura 2025 play-in is set to reignite recent rivalries as four familiar sides - Tijuana (7th), FC Juárez (8th), Pachuca (9th), and Pumas UNAM (10th) - square off once again in this high-stakes mini-tournament. All four clubs have experience in this phase, but only the border-town Bravos have yet to punch their ticket to the playoffs through the play-in format.
What is the Apertura 2025 quartet’s play-in record?
Since the play-in was introduced in the Apertura 2023, Pachuca has emerged as the most consistent performer in this stage. Los Tuzos have now featured in three editions and boast the most play-in qualifications to the playoffs, having advanced in both the Clausura 2024 and Clausura 2025. Their steady hand in do-or-die matches has made them a team to watch.
Juárez, on the other hand, is still chasing its first breakthrough. After falling short in the Clausura 2025 play-in, the Bravos - now under the guidance of Martín Varini - return with valuable experience and a more balanced squad. Their mission is clear: break through the barrier and earn a long-awaited spot in the big dance.
Pumas are no strangers to this kind of pressure either. In the Clausura 2024, they faced off against Pachuca in the opening play-in clash, pulling off a win before the Tuzos ultimately joined them in the playoffs. Now, fate brings them together again in the Apertura 2025, setting the stage for a rematch laced with recent history and a thirst for redemption.
As for Tijuana, the Xolos are aiming to replicate their successful run from the Apertura 2024, when they advanced from the seventh seed. Coming into this edition as the highest-ranked team, they carry the weight of expectation. But in a format where one slip can end your season, experience and composure will be just as crucial as talent.
Play-in history at a glance:
- Apertura 2025: Tijuana (7), Juárez (8), Pachuca (9), Pumas (10) - TBD
- Clausura 2025: Monterrey (7), Pachuca (8), Juárez (9), Pumas (10) - advanced: Pachuca (8), Monterrey (7)
- Apertura 2024: Tijuana (7), América (8), Chivas (9), Atlas (10) - advanced: Tijuana (7), América (8)
- Clausura 2024: Pachuca (7), Pumas (8), Necaxa (9), Querétaro (10) - advanced: Pumas (8), Pachuca (7)
- Apertura 2023: San Luis (7), León (8), Santos (9), Mazatlán (10) - advanced: San Luis (7), León (8)
This year’s play-in promises to be a reunion of sorts - one filled with unfinished business and renewed ambition. Every team knows what it takes to fight for that extra ticket to the playoffs, but only Juárez is still chasing the thrill of finally crossing that threshold and joining the true party of Mexican soccer.
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