A look at the quarterfinals

By: Chris | May 6th, 2007

This is the dream of the Final 8 remaining in the Clausura playoffs, which will begin this Wednesday. 8 teams, all with something to prove, with one keeping a close eye on a bigger prize.

Team by team, seed by seed:

1. Pachuca - A team that’s won it all in the last few months, including the Copa Sudamericana and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, they’re out to show that they take the league as seriously as it does international competition.

2. Chivas - As the team with the most titles in league history (11), they’ll be looking to put themselves even further ahead of their closest rivals, América, who hold 10 titles. Plus, back-to-back titles has been done only once in the history of the short tournaments and would leave the debate going on even longer as to who the best team in the country is.

3. América - With Chivas’ win in the Apertura, the Águilas once again find themselves one title behind their archrivals. But with their foot firmly planted in the Copa Libertadores, the going could be tough for the Mexico City side.

4. Cruz Azul - A team lost in the shuffle behind the big 3 this tournament. They’ll be looking to surprise everyone and give Jared Borgetti a title in his first tournament in Mexico back from Saudi Arabia and England.

5. Tecos - The modest Guadalajara side will be trying to erase memories of their 7-4 aggregate loss to América just two years ago and will also be looking for that elusive second title.

6. Atlas - Always second fiddle to their stadium-mates Chivas, it’s been 46 years since the Zorros last lifted the trophy. A tricky side who could catch América off guard in the first round.

7. Tigres - Losing finalists twice in the last 6 years, with their last title coming 25 years ago. It would be nice for Mexico’s most loyal fans to be rewarded.

8. Santos - A miracle saved them from relegation, and another miracle got them into the Final 8. When does their luck run out?

Fixtures and dates will be announced Monday morning around noon EST.

Predictions to come later in the week.