After eight games played in Liga MX Femenil playoff quarterfinals, we have the league’s four semifinalists!
The quarterfinals didn’t disappoint one bit – with an underdog besting the reigning champions
and keeping the league’s Golden Boot under control, heated matches, tons of goals and a heroine scoring two braces.
Rayadas’ quarterfinals were a scandal
The final score for Rayadas vs. Club América’s first leg was a little deceiving. A 1-1 draw left the impression that this bracket could go to any of the teams. However, it was only a matter of the Eagles finishing their chances better to get the ticket for the semifinals.
And that’s what they did in the second leg. They scored five goals on Rayadas, making the second leg Monterrey’s worst nightmare in their playoff history. Of course, being two women down for two red cards (Karol Bernal and Daniela Monroy were sent off) didn’t help at all but the writing was all over the wall after having the worst season in the club’s history.
América’s goal scorers were Scarlett Camberos (PK, brace), Kiana Palacios, Bruna Vilamala, and Alondra Cabanillas. The club not only celebrated the big win but also the fact that midfielder Irene Guerrero and goalkeeper Itzel Velasco decided to renew their contracts until 2029.
If we talk about Rayadas, after this beating, they’re already looking for a new coach. Former Chivas coach Juan Pablo “Pato” Alfaro and former Pumas coach Marcelo Frigério are potential candidates for the next season.
Tigres’ firepower got dampened
After a humble 1-0 win against Juárez in the first leg (goal scored by Stephany Mayor), the Amazonians hosted Bravas at the Universitario Stadium.
In a goalless first half, the match didn’t lack heat. Fouls, coaches complaining, and the fans turned the environment inside the stadium into a very hostile one.
The second half was equally, if not more intense, with even more fouls that disrupted the game. Tigres was the team with the most chances but at the end of the day, none were able to put the ball in the back of the net and the match ended scoreless.
The flock stops Toluca’s She-Devils
Chivas and Toluca drew 2-2 at AKRON Stadium, in the first leg of this bracket. Alicia “Licha” Cervantes for Chivas and Faustine Robert for Diablas both scored braces and both teams had their chances of qualifying for the semifinals before the second leg.
Licha Cervantes ended up being the hero for Guadalajara after scoring another brace and Toluca not being able to match.
Diablas finished its participation in the playoffs after the best season in its history. The addition of Champions League winners Amandine Henry and Eugénie Le Sommer has given this team the flair it needed. Plus, Faustine Robert and Karla Martínez were also great for them in the Apertura 2025 tournament. Hopefully, coach Patrice Lair can continue to improve this club next season.
On the other hand, the four goals scored by Cervantes in the quarterfinals equaled the 156 scored by another club legend, Chava Reyes. She became Chivas’ second-best goalscorer and now only five goals shy of surpassing the 160 goals scored by Omar Bravo, the club’s top goal scorer.
More importantly, those four goals helped Chivas qualify for the semifinals after coming into this bracket as underdogs. Now, they will have to face their rivals, Club América.
The Blue Machine beat the reigning champions
Cruz Azul is in the semifinals for the very first time in its history. They did the unthinkable after beating the reigning champions, Pachuca, 5-0 in the second leg.
The first leg result left no surprises. After all, Pachuca bested Cruz Azul playing away from home. Even though Aerial Chavarin scored in the 10th minute for Cruz Azul, Charlyn Corral found the equalizer only four minutes later. Pachuca’s and the league’s top goal scorer found the back of the net again in the 31’ and her brace was enough to grant Tuzas the victory.
That result seemed to indicate Pachuca would have no trouble moving on. However, Cruz Azul surprised everybody not just because of the win but also for the final aggregate. Who scored in the second leg? Ana Lucía Martínez opened the tab in the first half and then Yeneisy Rodríguez, Deneisha Blackwood, Daniela Calderón, and Aerial Chavarín scored in the second half.
Martínez had an outstanding match, scoring once, registering two assists, and being involved in at least four goals.
Who’s Cruz Azul facing in the semifinals: none other than Tigres.
