Liga MX Week 17 Preview: Final Liguilla places and Clasico Capitalino

The Liguilla picture is almost complete. Take a look at some of the Apertura's most promising storylines heading into Week 17.

Only three Liguilla places remain

The last time we checked in with Liga MX, several teams were still in the hunt for the final Liguilla spots. A couple weeks later, the pool has been narrowed down to five teams looking for the final three places.

While in previous seasons there have been a jumble of teams still mathematically in the picture going into the last week of play, this season hasn't been too difficult to explain. A win or a draw from Chiapas, Puebla, and Veracruz would send all three into the Liguilla, Even in defeat, Chiapas and Puebla can both qualify to the playoffs.

Unfortunately for Veracruz, they still have Monarcas Morelia to reckon with. Saturday's game at the Estadio Morelos is surprisingly a huge game. With a win, Morelia will have a chance to surpass Veracruz in the table and clinch a place in the top-eight.

That leaves Monterrey as the last team in the playoff picture. While there's still every possibility Monterrey can finish in the Liguilla, their chances aren't quite so simple. Los Rayados will need to pick up all three points at Toluca and hope several results go their way.

Copa Libertadores

This weekend offers up more than a battle for the Liguilla. After Pumas UNAM and Puebla earned two of Mexico's spots in the Copa Libertadores, only one ticket remains.

Toluca need just a draw to qualify, but with the aforementioned Monterrey on tap for this weekend, the Diablos Rojos are presented a tough challenge.

Also right in the thick of the chase is Leon. The Guanajuato outfit has hung around near the top of the table for most of the season, but they have struggled to inspire confidence late in the campaign. They are two points back of Toluca and need Jose Saturnino Cardozo's side to lose. Additionally, Leon will need to get its house in order as they host Dorados in a must-win game.

Clasico Capitalino

If we are being honest, the only reason Club America vs. Pumas UNAM gets a spot this week is because it is the Clasico Capitalino. With both teams already qualified to the Liguilla, it could make for a subdued battle, but usually, this sort of game brings one of the fiercest rivalries in Mexico.

With Pumas being the Liga MX team of the moment, there's never been a better time for Club America to spoil the party for their crosstown rivals one week before the start of the Liguilla.