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Power Rankings: Cruz Azul tops Liga MX, Chivas on rise

By Thomas Buckley

J.J. Macías arrived to Guadalajara in January 2020 with such high expectations it was always going to be difficult to live up to them. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
J.J. Macías arrived to Guadalajara in January 2020 with such high expectations it was always going to be difficult to live up to them. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX rankings 9
Carlos Vargas and Morelia went on the road to Necaxa and came home with a win, only their third of the season. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Five of last season’s Liga MX playoff teams floundering

9. Santos, 14 points (-5)

The Guerreros are suffering quite a comedown after dominating Liga MX last season. This time around, the defense has struggled while forwards Brian Lozano and Julio Furch have seen their productivity drop sharply. Young striker Eduardo Aguirre has been a pleasant surprise.

10. Atlético San Luis, 13 points (+1)

The Tuneros fell behind 2-0 at Monterrey before scoring twice in the final 8 minutes to snatch a draw. Coach Memo Vázquez has San Luis playing with discipline, but holes at the back have cost the club points they should have claimed (a 3-0 home loss to Juárez comes to mind).

11. Tigres, 11 points (-1)

The Tigres are underperforming, relying on experience and defensive tactics to stay above water. They can’t continue to coast, however, since a Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal series is upon them. The Tigres face New York City FC on March 11 and 17 with a visit from FC Juárez squeezed between.

12. Morelia, 11 points (+2)

The Monarcas were Liga MX semifinalists last season but they suddenly can’t play defense – a league-worst 16 goals conceded. Perhaps Sunday’s road win at Necaxa could lead to a playoff run down the stretch.

13. Necaxa, 11 points (-4)

That the Rayos have been wildly inconsistent this season is not a surprise after the front office sold off four starters from last season’s playoff team. Mauro Quiroga is still scoring goals, but he has little help up front and the roster is quite green.

14. Puebla, 11 points (-1)

On paper, the Camoteros should be further down this list, but they refuse to lose. Coach Juan Reynoso has implemented a system that fits his roster and Puebla is on a 3-game unbeaten streak.

15. Toluca, 10 points (–)

Coach José Manuel de la Torre could be running out of time, especially after the 3-0 rout the Diablos suffered in the first leg of the Copa MX semifinals last week.

16. Tijuana, 6 points (–)

The Xolos opened the Clausura with a 2-1 home win over Santos. Since then, the club has gone 0-3-5, outscored to the tune of 5-13. Rookie coach Gustavo Quinteros probably has Tijuana on the verge of the Copa MX finals and that might be enough to preserve his job.

17. Monterrey, 4 points (–)

The defending champs seemed poised to nab their first win of the season, but gave up 2 late goals to visiting San Luis. It’s been less than three months since coach Antonio Mohamed hoisted the Liga MX trophy, but one wonders if he will make it through the season.

dark. Next. The Clásico Tapatío

18. Atlas, 6 points (–)

The Zorros are playing awful football. If Liga MX had not decided to cancel relegation, Atlas would be playing in Ascenso MX in August.

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