Liga MX: Chivas start ‘King Midas’ era with triumph

1. Rayados suffer relapse after season-opening win

Monterrey has yet to shake off the historic hangover that plagued the club during the Clausura 2020. After winning the Apertura 2019 title, the Rayados set a new record for futility, becoming the first reigning champions to go winless in its first 10 games after hoisting the trophy.

Monterrey stunned the pundits by staggering to an 0-5-5 start to the season, despite boasting basically the same roster that defeated América in the Finals.

The Rayados opened the Guardianes 2020 by dominating Toluca 3-1 but have not tasted victory since. On Saturday, Monterrey stumbled against last-place Necaxa, settling for a 1-1 tie.

2. Two surprise contenders emerge

Sitting just a point off the league lead are Toluca and the Pumas, neither of which was tabbed as anything more than a wildcard candidate.

The Diablos were trounced by Monterrey in their opener and lost to Mazatlán FC on Matchday 3. Wins over Atlético de San Luis and Atlas were not unexpected but Sunday’s stunning upset of the Tigres has thrust Toluca into the Top 5 with 9 points.

The Pumas, meanwhile, are the only remaining undefeated team in Liga MX, though their three consecutive draws are nothing to brag about and their schedule thus far has been soft.

On Matchday 3, UNAM had a chance to climb atop the Liga MX standings but squandered the opportunity by allowing 9-man FC Juárez to battle to a draw. The Pumas were lucky to get a point against Monterrey in the following game, then produced a listless scoreless draw against Mazatlán.

The “felinos” will put their 3-2-0 record on the line against a Tigres squad that will be out for blood after their collapse against Toluca.

3. Cementeros rediscover their punch

Cruz Azul not only saw its 18-game unbeaten streak end against Querétaro on Matchday 4, the 1-0 loss also marked the first time in 27 games that the Cementeros were unable to find the net.

Down early at Estadio Azteca, “La Máquina” found their footing and generated wave after wave of opportunities, two of which were bungled by Santi Giménez.

Just after the half hour, Luis Romo rounded the defense wide right and zipped a cross to the far post that Yoshimar Yotún banged home. Shortly after the break, Santi made up for his first-half errors by sparking a brilliant counterattack off a Bravos corner kick that made it 2-1 Cruz Azul.

Santi collected his second assist in minute 62’ by supplying “Cabecita” Rodríguez for his second of the match.