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Liga MX: Aguilas, Cementeros top Power Rankings

By Thomas Buckley

Holders Cruz Azul are still chasing a playoff spot while América sits atop the Liga MX table. This season's "Junior Classic" promises to be explosive. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Holders Cruz Azul are still chasing a playoff spot while América sits atop the Liga MX table. This season's "Junior Classic" promises to be explosive. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX Power Rankings 1
Víctor Manuel Vucetich is in charge of the Chivas now. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

After coaching change, Chivas aspire to a playoff bye

These next six clubs currently hold wildcard spots (the top four teams earn a bye while teams 5-12 play a wildcard round to reach the quarterfinals).

7. Chivas

7 points, 2-1-2, 4 GF, 4 GA

With Víctor Manuel Vucetich now in charge, Guadalajara has no excuse for not ending their three-year playoff drought. The Chivas have not qualified for the postseason since winning the Clausura 2017 Liga MX title. GM Ricardo Peláez knows his job is on the line after investing heavily in the current roster during the winter transfer window. It might take a few weeks, but “King Midas” will surely impose his style on this talented, but under-achieving club.

8. Pumas

9 points, 2-3-0, 7 GF, 5 GA

UNAM was rocked by the resignation of coach Miguel González just days before the season, but Andrés Lillini has stepped into the breach with aplomb. The Pumas’ academy director is now coaching many of his “graduates” – he has also granted three debuts (Jerónimo Rodríguez, Erik Lira and Amaury García) – and this week he agreed to finish out the season after which he’ll return to his academy post.

9. Puebla

7 points, 2-1-2, 7 GF, 5 GA

The Camoteros were tied for seventh place when the Clausura 2020 was canceled and they are showing that their playoff intentions are real. Juan Reynoso relies on conservative tactics, but he has little recourse due to roster limitations. Tactical discipline and top-notch goalkeeping from Nicolás Vikonis makes Puebla a difficult opponent.

10. Pachuca

7 points, 2-1-2, 4 GF, 4 GA

The Tuzos’ youth program has a well-deserved reputation for producing quality players, but this season the club invested in veterans, especially in attack. Not only have the new forwards failed to generate much offense, but the roster is now among the oldest in Liga MX. Coach Paulo Pessolano has his work cut out for him.

10. Santos Laguna

5 points, 1-2-2, 5 GF, 7 GA

The Guerreros were the first team to experience a virus outbreak and it disrupted their preseason camp. Then star winger Brian Lozano broke his leg. Coach Guillermo Almada has been working in some youngsters and it has been slow going thus far, but you best not sleep on this team. Almada – known by some as the Uruguayan Guardiola – has a solid track record and his Guerreros will be a factor down the stretch.

10. Monterrey

6 points, 1-3-1, 7 GF, 6 GA

The reigning champions have been a mess since hoisting the Liga MX trophy in December, posting a dismal 1-8-6 record. After an impressive display in the season opener, the Rayados have lost their way and coach Antonio Mohamed appears to have lost the magic touch. The roster is loaded, so there is no excuse. Saturday’s match at Estadio Azteca against América will be critical to the team’s fortunes.

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