Mexican Playoffs: Who Needs What?

This Easter weekend many Mexicans are celebrating Jesus and his miraculous resurrection after being hung on a cross. It may seem slightly more menial but it`s also crunch time for making the Mexican soccer playoffs. Some teams will be praying for a Christ-like miracle, while others seem to have their fate already cast in stone. Here`s what each team needs to qualify:

GROUP 1

U.A.N.L. (Tigres) = Already qualified and looking good on 29 points at the top of Group 1. All that is left is jockeying for final position to see who they play. Points: 29

Guadalajara Chivas = Three points from the next two games will see Mexico´s most popular team get to the play-offs. However, on Saturday they play away at Cruz Azul and the week after is Monterrey at home. Tricky games. Points: 24

Monterrey = The current champions need two wins to guarantee second spot in Group 1. In reality, one win in those two games should be sufficient for a team currently hampered by injuries. Games - Puebla (h), Chivas (a) Points: 22

Santos = Mathematically it is possible that Santos can qualify but they need both Monterrey and Chivas to lose this weekend and then draw the game the weekend after. Some hard praying required. Games - San Luis (h), Estudiantes (a) Points: 20

Estudiantes Tecos, Necaxa = A full blown miracle of biblical proportions is their only hope as both can´t mathematically make the play-offs. Necaxa are going down too.

GROUP 2

(THE group to really keep your eyes on)

Atlante = Three points from two games required. Already have to get into play-off mode, both games against rivals in their group: America (a), Toluca (h) Points: 23

America = Four points should be enough although the entertaining team need two wins to 100 percent guarantee passage to the play-offs. Games: Atlante (h), Pumas (a) Points: 22

Toluca = Have to win this weekend and see the lie of the table. Six points from 2 games should be enough. Potential last day showdown with Atlante for a play-off place. Games: Estudiantes (h), Atlante (a) Points: 20

Atlas = Six points is a necessity, preferably with a few goals scored. If they can do that and other results fall the right way it is very possible they will qualify. Games: Santos (h), Tigres (a) Points: 20

San Luis, Pachuca = Time to start planning for next year.

GROUP 3

Pumas = Overall leaders and surprise package of the season. Already through. Points: 32

Morelia = After getting battered 5-0 by Atlas at the start of the campaign, few thought Morelia would make the play-offs with two games to go. Now they are real contenders for the title. Points: 28

Cruz Azul = Three points from their last two games will see them grab one of the best third-place spots. Lose on Saturday against Chivas and it could be a nervy last game against San Luis (a). Points: 24

Puebla, Queretaro, Chiapas = All also in need of divine intervention if they are to qualify for the playoffs.