Author name: Pablo Martínez

Liga MX confirmed the schedules for the Apertura 2024 semifinals following the return leg of the quarterfinals. América and Cruz Azul, the two favorites, will face off in a new edition of the “Clásico Joven.” Meanwhile, Rayados and Atlético de San Luis will compete for the first ticket to the Mexican football final. The first-leg matches will be on December 4, with San Luis facing Rayados at 9:00 PM at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras, and on December 5, América will host Cruz Azul at 8:00 PM at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. The return-leg matches will take place on December 7, with Rayados facing San Luis at 8:00 PM at the Estadio BBVA, and on December 8, Cruz Azul will host América at 7:00 PM at the same stadium. Also of interest: Epic comeback! Cruz Azul defeated Xolos 3-0 and advanced to the Apertura 2024 semifinals Foto de portada: X(@LigaBBVAMX)

Chivas officially confirmed the arrival of Óscar García Junyent as their new head coach for the Clausura 2025 tournament. At 51 years old, the Spaniard will be the third coach of his nationality in the club’s history and the first under Amaury Vergara’s era. In a video posted on social media, García highlighted his international experience and passion for challenges, mentioning his goal of making his teams proactive and leading them to be the protagonists. He also expressed admiration for the greatness of Chivas and its fans, assuring that he is here to become a part of the club’s history.  Also of interest: Tapatío became the Liga Expansión champion for the second time in its history.

With Botafogo crowned Copa Libertadores champions, the 32 teams participating in the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States are now confirmed. This edition will feature a new group-stage format, bringing together clubs from all football associations worldwide. Following Botafogo’s victory in the Libertadores final, the lineup for the 2025 Club World Cup is complete. This tournament, set to debut a revamped structure, will take place in the United States. For the first time, 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Round of 16, which will then adopt a knockout format.     These Are the Teams Competing in the Club World Cup UEFA The European teams securing spots via Champions League titles are: Chelsea (2020/21), Real Madrid (2021/22 and 2023/24), and Manchester City (2022/23). Additional qualifiers based on UEFA rankings include Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg.     CONMEBOL South America’s representatives are the Copa Libertadores champions since 2021: Palmeiras (2021), Flamengo (2022), Fluminense (2023), and Botafogo (2024). Ranking-based qualifiers are River Plate and Boca Juniors. You may be interested in: https://titansports.mx/the-copa-libertadores/     CONCACAF The representatives from Central, North America, and the Caribbean are the last four winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup: Monterrey (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), Club León (2023), and Pachuca (2024). AFC Asia’s four representatives include three winners of the AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal (2021), Urawa Red Diamonds (2022), and Al-Ain (2023). The final spot went to Ulsan Hyundai, based on AFC rankings. CAF From Africa, Al-Ahly secured qualification with their multiple CAF Champions League titles (2020/21, 2022/23, 2023/24), along with Wydad Casablanca (2021/22). Ranking-based qualifiers include Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance.     The Final Two Invitees Finally, Auckland City will represent Oceania, having won the region’s championship and holding the highest ranking. The last invite goes to Inter Miami, representing the host nation. Cover photo: X (@fifaworldcup_es)  

Rayados secured their spot in the Apertura 2024 semifinals after defeating Pumas 6-3 on aggregate. The match began with a goal from Germán Berterame in the 32nd minute, but Guillermo Martínez quickly equalized. In the second half, Lucas Ocampos scored a stunning goal to give Rayados a 2-1 lead, but Ignacio Pussetto responded with a volley for Pumas. However, Berterame completed his brace, and Gerardo Arteaga sealed the win with a goal in the 79th minute. Although Martínez scored in the 87th minute, Oliver Torres capitalized on a mistake by Julio González to make it 5-3. Now, Rayados will face San Luis in the next stage of the tournament. Also, you may be interested in: Incredible! Atlético de San Luis eliminated Tigres from the playoffs after drawing in the second leg Foto de portada: X(@WeAreRayados)

Despite dominating the game and controlling possession, Tigres failed to score against Atlético de San Luis, being eliminated after a 0-0 draw at home (3-0 on aggregate). The outstanding performance of San Luis goalkeeper, Andrés Sánchez, was crucial in keeping the score level, saving several dangerous plays, including a miraculous stop after a shot by Juan Brunetta. Although Tigres had the chance to take the lead with a penalty, André-Pierre Gignac was unable to beat Sánchez, who saved the shot. With this draw, San Luis advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Rayados. Also, you may be interested in: América advanced to the Apertura 2024 semifinals after beating Toluca on aggregate