Dorados de Sinaloa has seriously complicated its aspirations of qualifying for the Liguilla of the Apertura 2026 of the Liga de Expansión MX, after accumulating three consecutive defeats: 0-1 against Durango, 3-6 against Leones Negros, and 1-3 against Cruz Azul Hidalgo. This streak represents zero points out of a possible nine and 10 goals conceded, figures that highlight El Gran Pez's defensive difficulties at the most important moment of the tournament. After 12 matchdays, the Sinaloan team occupies 12th place with 13 points, the result of three wins, four draws, and five losses, in addition to registering 21 goals for and 23 against, for a difference of -2.

The outlook is complicated, but there is still mathematical room to react. Dorados is four points behind eighth place, occupied by Venados with 17 units, although the Yucatecan team has a game in hand compared to El Gran Pez. Furthermore, Correcaminos and Tlaxcala have 15 points, while Tapatío has 14, so the fight for the last spots is still open. The main problem for the Sinaloans has been their lack of consistency: after achieving important victories against Tepatitlán and Tapatío, they have not managed to sustain positive results.

With three matches left to play, against Correcaminos, Piratas FC, and Atlético La Paz, El Gran Pez has nine points at stake and can reach a maximum of 22 units. The most favorable scenario requires winning all three games and waiting for their direct rivals to stumble; with two wins and a draw, they would reach 20 points, but would depend even more on other results. Any draw or loss would reduce their chances and increase the pressure at the end. The top eight in the standings advance directly to the quarterfinals, without a playoff round to correct the course. Therefore, Dorados needs to regain defensive solidity, take advantage of their scoring opportunities, and finish the tournament with practically no room for error to keep the Liguilla hope alive.