With the quarterfinal stage done and dusted, a highly coveted 2017 Apertura title is now becoming tantalizingly close for the four remaining Liga MX teams: Monterrey, Tigres, Club America and Morelia.
Beginning with a much-anticipated first-leg clash between Club America and Tigres on Wednesday night, which will then be followed by another first leg between Morelia and Monterrey on Thursday, this week's semifinal battles will be must-watch futbol for any fan of the Mexican first division.
Although there's a long list of noteworthy stars that will be sure to turn heads in the semis, here are five to keep an eye on:
Aviles Hurtado, FW, Monterrey
When Hurtado is at his best, there is no defender in Mexico that is capable of stopping him. Since joining Los Rayados over the summer, the league's joint top goalscorer has been nothing short of brilliant for his new squad.
Hurtado has immediately clicked with Monterrey this year, and in the 4-1 win over Atlas, the Colombian was near-perfect, with two goals and an assist. Thanks to his devastating pace and creativity, he's found a way to shine in a roster that is already filled with some of the league's brightest names.
The 30-year-old, who is hungry for his first Liga MX title, should prove to be a headache for Morelia in the semis.
Sebastian Sosa, GK, Morelia
Many will say that other Liga MX goalkeeping options are better, but none have been as impressive or hard-working as Sosa during the past few months.
Following a quiet start to 2017, the Uruguayan has since wowed Mexican crowds with his dives and reflexes in his starting role. In fact, no other goalkeeper in the league has collected more saves than the 31-year-old this season.
If Morelia fans are hoping to pull off an upset against a daunting side like Monterrey, they will need to keep their fingers crossed that Sosa dishes out plenty of game-changing stops against the likes of Rogelio Funes Mori, Dorlan Pabon and Hurtado.
Andre-Pierre Gignac, FW, Tigres
Gignac was surprisingly quiet during last week's quarterfinals. Granted, he did score once in the first round of the playoffs, but much more was expected of the French striker, who has become known as "Mr. Liguilla".
That said, this week against Club America, Gignac will have a big opportunity to compensate for his reserved performances.
Despite his small dip in form that started in late October, the 31-year-old is still the most talented player in the league. In a semifinal series that will be a replay of the 2016 Apertura final, Gignac should feel more than motivated to showcase his strength and world-class finishing.
Jonathan Gonzalez, MF, Monterrey
Gonzalez is the breakout star of the Apertura. Before the summer, few Monterrey supporters would have been able to name the young Mexican-American, who didn't make his professional debut until July. Now, the 18-year-old has solidified a crucial role as a defensive midfielder for the best squad in the CONCACAF region.
Gonzalez won't stand out with a highlight-worthy goal or assist, but instead will do plenty of dirty work as the linchpin in the midfield that loves to help kick-start counters. The Californian with plenty of confidence is not one to be missed.
Oribe Peralta, FW, Club America
Las Aguilas need goals. In their past four games in all competitions, the Mexico City club has only scored once. Although other names such as Carlos Darwin Quintero and Silvio Romero have the skills to help once again find the back of the net, more than likely it will be Peralta who will score the much-needed opportunities.
In spite of his 33 years of age, the Mexican continues to be the focal point of the attack for Club America. It's a massive amount of responsibility for Peralta, but the captain is no stranger to carrying his team when needed in dire situations.
In a high-profile encounter against Tigres, will the veteran step up for his squad?