Cruz Azul's record season and América's pursuit of a third straight title highlight key storylines going into the Liga MX playoffs. Cruz Azul and Toluca enter the playoffs as the favorites to meet to raise the Liga MX Apertura 2024 title. / IMAGO/Agencia ...

With the play-in over, the Liguilla proper begins Wednesday with eight Liga MX teams trying to earn the Apertura crown.The matchups are tasty, with top-seeded Cruz Azul having to head all the way to the northern border to start its playoff run,

One year ago, Cruz Azul finished the Liga MX Apertura 2023 season in 16th place, scoring only 17 points and missing out on the playoffs. A year later, La Maquina capped off the greatest 17-game regular season in Liga MX history, topping the league with a record-setting 42 points.

The regular season has wrapped, the play-ins are complete, and the Liga MX Apertura 2024 playoffs are set to deliver another thrilling chapter in Mexican football. Reigning champions Club América enter the Liguilla aiming to defend their crown.

The Liga MX Apertura 2024 quarterfinals are set and so begin the final three weeks of the playoffs in Mexico's top flight.