Aguilas coach Jardine faces off with long-time disciple Leal
Atlético de San Luis welcomes América to the Estadio Alfonso Lastras as the Liga MX semifinals kick off tonight.
Tuneros face tough competition from top-seeded Aguilas, who are undefeated on the road this season (5-3-0 with 14 goals for, 7 goals against) and have an 18-game unbeaten streak.
Atleti, despite facing No. 2 Monterrey, managed to reach the Final Four with a disciplined tactical performance and balanced attack, defeating Rayados 1-0 at home and drawing 1-1 in the Sultana del Norte.
The 8th-seeded Potosinos, despite their higher seeding, are expected to press forward and utilize a swarming defense against the Aguilas, as a tie would not be satisfactory at home.
San Luis is set to return to Jardine.
André Jardine, the coach of América, will be partnering with Brazilian coach Leal, who previously served as the top bench coach for Brazil's Olympic team and Atlético de San Luis.
Atleti, led by José Manuel Jardine, reached its first quarterfinal appearance in Clausura 2022. However, they missed the playoffs the following season and were eliminated by América in the final. Despite this, Jardine's record in San Luis is modest at 18-14-22.
Leal took over after Jardine took the América job. He guided San Luis to a 1-0 victory at Alfonso Lastras, with Henry Martín scoring the lone goal in minute 32.
Jardine has had a successful debut season at Club América, with the team's 40 points surpassing the 38 earned by Solari and Ortiz, although the league-leading 37 goals scored was one fewer than the Aguilas under Ortiz in the Apertura 2020 season.
After a 2-1 loss to FC Juárez in the season opener, the Eagle's Nest has maintained a 13-5-0 record, including playoffs, despite some grumbling in the Eagle's Nest.
Semifinals a familiar spot for Aguilas
América is the only Liga MX team to participate in all 10 Liguillas, and "Los Millonetas" are nearly certain to reach the Final Four.
San Luis made their first-ever appearance in a semifinal since 1972, marking the first time América has participated in a playoff series since the Liga MX system was introduced.
The Aguilas have a less than half-stellar record in the Final Four, advancing only 17 times, which may give the Tuneros some confidence.