When exactly do the playoffs start?

With only three games left for most teams in the Apertura 2011 season there's little more clarity to the final standings then there was in July. Only seven points separate first place from thirteenth place. The top eight teams qualify for the playoffs; it's anybody's guess as to which eight teams these will be.

Guadalajara are, amazingly, atop the standings at the moment. Over the past month and half, Chivas have tough losses to San Luis, Queretaro, and a drubbing by the hands of Puebla (which led to their manager being fired). Hence, their current form and surge to the top of the standings comes as a bit of a surprise. They're coming off convincing wins over Estudiantes and America. And really, back to back wins is all it takes to make it to the top of the table right now. Of their three reaming matches, only their home match with Tigres could be considered a tough one. Guadalajara are in the driver's seat for playoff positioning.

Chiapas and Santos are currently sitting two points behind Chivas. I've written before about the scariness of Chiapas. They've realized they're crazy goal scoring ability and are incredibly dangerous with their trio of Colombian goal scorers. Santos have generally beaten the teams they should and have struggled more with the stronger teams in the league, other then their inexplicable home loss to Tijuana. They carry a huge home field advantage as Torreon is not the easiest place for opposing teams to play (unless of course you're Brazil or Tijuana, apparently).

The next notch down the table includes Tigres and Cruz Azul. Tigres continue to be a threat heading in to the playoffs, despite their inconsistencies. They've only allowed 11 goals through 14 games, the lowest in the league. They also have draws in half of their matches. I think this probably gives you an idea of their goal scoring. However, when it comes to problems scoring goals, not many teams reach the frustrating levels of Cruz Azul. Their 16 goals in 14 matches have never come in bunches. They've had several games where they had firm control over the game, but their inability to put one of their shots in the net have cost them points. After fourteen games, it's clear that the goal scoring issues are much more than simply bad luck.

Most of the teams I've mentioned will likely qualify for the playoffs, but seeding is vital in the Primera Division. Both the quarterfinals and semifinals are pairs of home and away matches, but unlike other tournament formats there are no extra time or penalty shoot-outs. If after the two games the aggregate score is a draw, the higher seed advances to the next round. When so many teams appear to be so evenly matches, draws can be expected. Those teams that finish these last games well will be in much better position to capitalize when the playoffs begin. Although, with every game as meaningful as they currently are, I'm not so sure the playoffs haven't started already.