Standings in the Apertura 2017
With three games left in Matchday 16 of Apertura 2017, the playoff spots are almost defined and nine teams still have to fight for the last spot, as only Monterrey and Tigres are already classified for the Fiesta Grande, with 33 and 29 points respectively.
América, Morelia, León, Necaxa, Atlas, Cruz Azul, Toluca, and Tijuana are the clubs still competing for their ticket, as there are still combinations for the table to change positions. They depend on Tigres tying or losing against Necaxa to continue aspiring to the second place.
América prolongs the wait
The Eagles (27 points) let go of the opportunity to qualify this matchday by tying against Puebla and they have had their third game without a victory. The qualification is in their hands, as the easiest scenario is for them to win the last matchday against Santos.
Monarcas and León, lurking
Monarcas and León (26 points each) also depend on a victory for themselves to qualify. If the blue and yellow team and the UANL team don't score points, they can benefit and improve their position towards the playoffs.
The Rayos threaten with a game pending
Necaxa - who still has the match against Tigres pending for this afternoon - can even climb to the second place if they defeat the felines and Morelia in the last match, as they currently have 24 points.
The Rojinegros and Celestes keep the dream alive
Although they have won very important matches in these matchdays, Atlas and Cruz Azul's task is not done yet. They need to win in Matchday 17, and they are also waiting for what Toluca does tonight, who with one game less, is just one point below them.
Those who are out of the zone but can get in
The Red Devils, who are currently out of the playoff zone due to their pending commitment, can even climb to the second place if they win their two games and the necessary combinations occur.
Finally, the Xolos, who recently lost Eduardo Coudet, can still qualify, but they need to win their last match and also hope that Necaxa, Atlas, Cruz Azul, or Toluca don't score points.
Even the top spot is not secured
Monterrey surprisingly lost against Lobos BUAP and didn't secure the advantage of being a home team in the return games. Even with a pending match against Santos, the northern team has the opportunity to secure this privilege against the Warriors, or fight for that right against Tigres in the Clásico Regio, as long as Tuca Ferretti's pupils win their commitment against Necaxa.