The Stage is Set: Semifinal Showdowns
The Liga MX Apertura 2024 semifinals are promising to deliver some heart-stopping action as two fierce battles are on the horizon. Our first clash features the ever-popular Club América against their rivals Cruz Azul, while Monterrey faces off against the surprising contenders Atlético San Luis. These crucial matches not only heighten the excitement for fans but also determine who makes the grand final, scheduled for mid-December.
In the December semifinals lineup, Cruz Azul and América are reviving their famous rivalry known as El Clásico Joven. The first leg is set for Thursday, December 5, at 9:00 p.m. ET in Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Mexico City, with the second leg following on Sunday, December 8, same venue. América is pushing for a third consecutive title, and they've historically had the upper hand, winning all six prior playoff encounters with Cruz Azul. On the other hand, Cruz Azul had the league’s best regular-season showing and is certainly hungry to turn the tables this time around.
Can the Underdogs Surprise?
The other nail-biting match pits Monterrey against Atlético San Luis. Scheduled for December 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET at Estadio Alfonso Lastras in San Luis for the first leg, and returning to Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on December 7 for the second leg, these showdowns will test each team’s mettle. Monterrey comes equipped with a strong, star-powered squad, but San Luis's recent performances, boasting a month-long unbeaten streak, suggest they won't go down easily. San Luis could indeed throw a wrench in Monterrey’s plans with their enthusiastic home crowd support in the initial leg.
If you’re planning to catch these games, they’re available through multiple broadcasts. Viewers in the United States can tune in via Univision/TUDN, FOX Deportes, and ESPN+. Though Chivas Guadalajara’s road ended prematurely in earlier rounds, their matches were previously viewed on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock.
Recently in the quarterfinals, América and Cruz Azul both secured spots with emphatic aggregate successes of 4–0 and 3–3, respectively. Monterrey cruised past Pumas UNAM with a 6–3 aggregate, while San Luis delivered a standout 3–0 win against Tigres UANL. The end of this competitive journey saw América edging out Monterrey 3–2 in a thrilling final that crowned them champions once again.
