Liga MX: Playoff positioning on the line

Two fixtures remain in Liga MX’s Clausura season and just when things seemed to be finding their place, more drama is still yet to come in Weeks 16 and 17.

For the past 15 weeks we have seen the greatest of successes and the most depressing of struggles. Now things get very interesting in Liga MX as we head into the last two weeks of the season, and much is still yet to be determined. As it stands this is the playoff race 1-8 with those still in contention.

1. Monterrey, 36 Points

MONTERREY, MEXICO – APRIL 23: Edwin Cardona of Monterrey looks on during the 15th round match between Monterrey and Queretaro as part of the Clausura 2016 Liga MX at BBVA Bancomer Stadium on April 23, 2016 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Los Rayados have all but sealed their position as the number one team in Liga MX for this year’s playoffs. Monterrey will be looking ahead and preparing for who they will face in the first round. Not a bad way to make sure you’re playoff ready with the remaining two matches against two clubs in playoff contention, Club America and Toluca. Los Rayados are the highest scoring club in the league and there’s no sign of this club slowing down.

2. Club America, 27 Points

SEATTLE, WA – FEBRUARY 23: Goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez of Club America celebrates as his team scores a goal to make it 2-2 during the CONCACAF Champions League match between Seattle Sounders and Club America at CenturyLink Field on February 23, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Las Aguilas are looking to complete a major feat. They’ve already taken the CONCACAF Champions League title over Liga MX rival and now they set their sights on winning the league championship in the Clausura playoffs. While they still have a hold of the second seed in the playoffs, they can quickly tumble to as far as sixth with two losses. They don’t have it easy, Monterrey and Pumas sit in front trying to bolster their own positions.

3. Santos Laguna, 27 Points

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – APRIL 16: Carlos Izquierdoz of Santos celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal of his team during the 14th round match between Cruz Azul and Santos Laguna as part of the Clausura 2016 Liga MX at Azul Stadium on April 16, 2016 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Miguel Tovar/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

The road to the playoffs is never easy in Liga MX, but Santos has managed to stay in the top 5 for most of the season quietly, going about their business. Since their embarrassing loss to relegation bound Dorados of Sinaloa, Santos has won three of the their last four matches adding up 9 crucial points on their way, for the time being a top three position. Two matches remain against playoff hopefuls, Monarcas Morelia and the hottest team in the league Chivas of Guadalajara.

4. Pachuca, 26 Points

Franco Jara of Pachuca celebrates his goal against Monterrey, during the Mexican Clausura 2016 Tournament at the Hidalgo stadium on January 30, 2016, in Pachuca,Mexico AFP PHOTO/MARIA CALLS / AFP / MARIA CALLS (Photo credit should read MARIA CALLS/AFP/Getty Images) /

Los Tuzos were once one of the hottest teams in Liga MX, but since a 6-0 thrashing of Veracruz on March 19, it’s been a bit up and down for the club. With a record of 1-2-1 it’s hard to see Pachuca making a noise in the playoffs with that inconsistency. Pachuca, lead by Hirving Lozano and Adolfo Pizzaro will have to take it up a notch in order to maintain home field advantage in the first round. Next up for Los Tuzos, Leon and Chiapas Jaguares.

5. Leon, 26 Points

LEON, MEXICO – JANUARY 09: German Cano of Leon celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the 1st round match between Leon and Santos Laguna as part of the Clausura 2016 Liga MX at Leon Stadium on January 09, 2016 in Leon, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Speaking of teams going about their business quietly, it seems as if no one has really paid attention to this team. A sound club that has been in the playoff picture all season, Leon could be a dark horse to advance, that however, is going to be based on who they get in the first stage of the postseason. As one of the highest scoring teams in the league Leon can do damage come the playoffs, and if there’s any indication of the last three matches, they will be a team to watch.

6. Chivas, 22 Points

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – APRIL 17: Omar Bravo of Chivas drives the ball during the 14th round match between Chivas and Atlas as part of the Clausura 2016 Liga MX at Chivas Stadium on April 17, 2016 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Chivas of Guadalajara were once on the brink of facing a serious threat of being relegated, but time does heal wounds. Since losing their rivalry match to Club America in March, Chivas has won four of their last five matches including wins over Monterrey, UNAM, Atlas. Now the club will keep their focus with more opportunities to gain points and most likely become the team no one wants to face in the playoffs with matches remaining with Dorados and Santos.

7. Monarcas Morelia, 22 Points

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – APRIL 09: Rodolfo Salinas of Atlas fights for the ball with Pablo Rodriguez of Morelia during the 13th round match between Atlas and Morelia as part of the Clausura 2016 Liga MX at Jalisco Stadium on April 09, 2016 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Morelia has slowly made their way up the table hoping to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since Apertura 2013. Despite their loss to Dorados last week, Monarcas had won four straight matches since their March 20th loss to Pumas 4-2. Now Morelia looks ahead to the final two weeks of the season to advance themselves even further up the table with matches against Santos Laguna and Vercruz.

8. Pumas UNAM, 21 Points

SAN CRISTOBAL, VENEZUELA – APRIL 26: Eduardo Herrera of Pumas UNAM drives the ball during a match between Deportivo Tachira and Pumas UNAM as part of Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2016 at Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo Stadium on April 26, 2016 in San Cristobal, Venezuela. (Photo by Nelson Pulido/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Pumas has taken advantage of recent struggles by Tigres and Cruz Azul to slide into the 8th seed in the playoffs. While still hanging on by a thread, Pumas still has a great shot to make it in and also to move up the table. The quest for the playoffs begins in Queretaro with a huge chance for three points. After that a possible preview of the first round as Pumas faces Club America at home. No matter how one sees it, six points is crucial to gain a playoff spot this season for UNAM.

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The math still says teams 9-14 are still legitimalnly in the race for the playoffs. Tigres, Cruz Azul, Toluca, Puebla, Queretaro and Tijuana are all still in contention, but for most of these clubs it will take six points in the final two weeks a ton of results to move them up the table. It will be interesting to watch!

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