What is liguilla?

Liguilla is a playoff system used in Mexican football leagues to determine the champion. It is a knockout stage that takes place after the conclusion of the regular season.

In the Liga MX, the top eight teams in the standings at the end of the regular season qualify for the Liguilla. The teams are seeded based on their regular season performance, with the top seed playing the eighth seed, the second seed playing the seventh seed, and so on.

The Liguilla consists of a series of two-legged ties, with the winner determined by aggregate score. In the event of a tie, the team with the higher seed advances. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played over two legs, while the final is a single match held at a neutral venue.

The Liguilla is known for its drama and excitement, with underdogs often making deep runs in the playoffs. It is seen as a test of a team's ability to perform under pressure and is considered the most important part of the season for many fans and clubs.