With only two weeks left in the Mexican Clausura tournament, there is only one thing that's certain: Necaxa will be demoted to the second division.

Mathematically, the Rayados can't avoid demotion. But after that's settled, the focus centers on the teams that are vying for a slot in the playoffs, known in Mexico as the "liguilla."

One intriguing match featuring one of those teams is Chivas vs. Cruz Azul in Mexico City on Saturday.

Cruz Azul, traditionally a dominant force in the regular season but underachiever in the playoffs, has struggled and its chances of reaching the post season are slim.

Coach Enrique "Ojitos" Meza's team has lost three of its last four, putting the "La Máquina" in an uncomfortable position.

Cruz Azul must win against Chivas de Guadalajara to stay alive. A loss would be catastrophic for a team that earlier this year appeared to be cruising into the post season as one of the best teams in the league.

"We are out of excuses," said Cruz Azul's Argentine-born midfielder Christian Gimenez after a loss to Puebla last week. "We players are the only ones responsible for these hard times. We are on an important team with a capable roster. We can't let our fans down."

Chivas is in a slightly better spot, but it still cannot afford to lose. It must win its last two games to reach the playoffs without relying on other results.

Guadalajara is coming off an upset loss to Santos Laguna last week. Chivas had gone unbeaten its six previous games (four wins, two ties).

A Cruz Azul-Chivas match is always interesting but this game promises to be special given that both teams need to win to advance toward the liguilla.

Both teams have faced each other 79 times since 1975, with Guadalajara leading the series 28-23-28. Cruz Azul has not beaten Chivas at home since the 2003 Apertura Tournament.

The Xolos

Club Tijuana clinched a spot in the Liga de Ascenso playoffs with a 2-1 win against Indios de Ciudad Juárez last week. That means the Xolos are on a path to a potential promotion from the Second Division to the Mexican Premier Division next season.

Tijuana would replace Necaxa if it was to win the 2011 Clausura Tournament.

The Xolos visit Tiburones de Veracruz on Saturday. Tijuana will know its quarterfinals rival after this week.

Abraham.nudelstejer@sandiegored.com