The Quarter-final stage of the Apertura 2021 in the Mexican top-flight is over, and with the surprising results that emerged from those ties, we can expect to crown a team that was not among the favorites when the league began.
Atlas is now the top-seeded team after América's exit, which means that they would host the title clash if they reach the final. León are next in the seeding after beating Puebla in Ariel Holan's first season with the green and white side. Miguel Herrera's Tigres are in the semis as well, but their brand of football is still leaving some doubts among diehard followers of his team. Last, but not least, Pumas will want to repeat their feat from 2004, when they made it all the way to the title clash and won after entering the playoffs via the wild card round in spectacular fashion.
Since there are only four games in this round, the league made sure to make all of them available to watch. Hence, one of the first leg matches will take place on Wednesday, while the other one is scheduled for Thursday.
Here's a brief look at each of those games ahead of their respective kickoffs. In the bracket you will find the seeding of each team according to their ranking in the regular season.
Tigres UANL (4) vs León (3) - Wednesday, December 1 at 22:00 ET
The blue and gold team are now one of the top title contenders thanks to Miguel Herrera and his tactics, but this time they will be facing a tough opponent in León, a team that has shown massive consistency despite letting their former boss leave and currently following the orders of Ariel Holan, an Argentine boss that hit the ground running with Los Panzas Verdes. The game at the Estadio Universitario will be crucial, because if León can walk away with a draw or a win, they will be in prime position to reach their second title match in the last three tournaments.
Did you know? These teams played the Clausura 2019 final between them, with Tigres claiming the title after a narrow one-nil aggregate win.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Tigres UANL 2 - 1 León
December 1, 2021 10:00pmEstadio Universitario de Nuevo León (San Nicolás de los Garza)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Pumas UNAM (11) vs Atlas (2) - Thursday, December 2 at 22:00 ET
The Mexico City-based team shocked those in the competition by defeating league leaders América, and their next game will be equally difficult if they want to reach the final. On the other hand, Los Rojinegros have been the most consistent team in the tournament, which has been based on their defensive skills. Now, they will be facing a dynamic team that could complicate their chances of success, but with the home-field advantage working in their favor for the entire tie, Diego Cocca's men will surely try to defend their ground while away from home and finish things off at Estadio Jalisco to reach their first title clash since 1999.
Did you know? Pumas and Atlas faced each other in the Apertura 2004 semi-finals. Back then, Pumas took the ticket to the title clash by beating Los Rojinegros with a 6-4 aggregate.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Pumas UNAM 0 - 1 Atlas
December 2, 2021 10:00pmEstadio Olímpico de Universitario (Ciudad de México (D.F.))This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Once these games come to an end, keep track of the return legs in the Mexican top-flight by bookmarking our dedicated Liga MX website.
