The Liga MX Play-In marks the final gateway for two spots in the Liguilla, the league’s postseason tournament.
As the 2023 Opening Tournament closes, the field of Liga MX teams begins to take shape, with contenders sharpening their playoff ambitions as the season nears its climax. This term, the Play-In introduces a fresh path to qualification for the Liguilla, replacing the Repechage format that had been used from Guardianes 2020 through Clausura 2023.
In this feature from GOAL, readers will find a comprehensive overview of the Liga MX Play-In, including schedule, format, and how teams can secure one of the last two berths in the postseason.
WHEN IS IT?
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The opening Play-In matches are scheduled for November 22 and 23, with the third and decisive encounter slated for November 25 or 26, depending on the dates that best fit the match calendar. These games culminate in a single-win result that determines which club advances to the quarterfinals and which club faces elimination from the title race.
FORMAT
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The Play-In involves four teams placed seventh through tenth in the final regular-season standings. The first mini-series features the teams in seventh and eighth place, with the winner earning a direct path to the quarterfinals. In the second mini-series, the ninth and tenth-placed teams battle it out, and the winner then faces the loser of the 7 vs. 8 matchup for the last remaining quarterfinal berth. This structure creates high-stakes clashes where a few decisive results can reshape the postseason picture, rewarding teams that finish strong down the stretch of the regular season.
CLASSIFIED
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The exact teams that secure Play-In spots are determined by the final regular-season table, making the last rounds of the season pivotal for those aiming to keep their title hopes alive. The Play-In results directly influence who will join the top seeds in the knockout rounds, adding an extra layer of drama to the championship chase.
HOW IS PLAY-IN PLAYED?
In the Play-In format, teams vie for two remaining slots in the Liguilla by defeating their immediate rivals in head-to-head matchups. The winners advance to the quarterfinals, while the losers exit the title chase. The structure emphasizes quick, high-intensity ties, with the advantage going to teams that can manage momentum and pressure in must-win games. The Play-In emphasizes contemporary league parity, giving mid-table clubs a tangible route to live postseason action.
Source: Goal