Tijuana's 3-1 victory over Juárez sends them through to the playoffs, whilst Los Bravos have one last chance of joining their border-club rivals, if they can beat Pachuca this weekend.
The Thursday night encounter started with a twist as the visitors took a surprise lead through in-form Colombian striker Oscar Estupinan, scoring a bullet header within the six-yard box.
Juárez's lead lasted for 19 minutes before Tijuana found a breakthrough as Mourad Daoudi's lofted header gave the hosts a much-needed lifeline before halftime.
In the second half, the game turned on its head when Manuel Mayorga was handed a straight red card for bringing down Ramiro Arciga, who was racing down on goal.
Five minutes later, Tijuana were presented the perfect chance to take the lead for the first time when the resulting free-kick struck the arm of Denzell Garcia in the box, leading to a penalty. Up stepped 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who calmly chipped his effort down the middle.
Now in front, Tijuana controlled the game and never looked like falling behind. That was made even clearer when Los Xolos doubled their lead in added time when Ezequiel Bullaude slotted home, from close range, to secure qualification for Tijuana.
Pachuca rockets too much for Pumas
Pachuca kept their hopes alive of clinching the eighth seed with a dominant display over Pumas, with the guests officially ending their Apertura run.
A powerful effort from range by Enner Valencia left 'keeper Keylor Navas stranded as Los Tuzos took a first-half lead, before another thunder strike, this time from Kenedy, made it an uphill battle for Efraín Júarez and his men.
Putting the icing on top of the cake, Kenedy made it three for the hosts before Pedro Vite pulled one back for the guests, but it was too little too late as Pumas struggled to cause any real threat of demanding a dramatic comeback.
The result in Hidalgo means that Pachuca will travel to Juárez on Sunday 23rd November (15:00 CST) for one last test, in order to claim the final spot in the Liga MX Apertura playoffs, with the winner set to face Toluca in the next round.
Who do you think will take the eighth seed heading into the Liga MX Apertura? Let us know!
Read More: