Liga MX Power Rankings: Cementeros ascend to top spot

Necaxa rides 4-game unbeaten streak into the Top 10

There’s still plenty of time for clubs in the bottom half of the standings to aspire to the Liga MX playoffs, especially since it has been expanded into a 12-team extravaganza.

9. Pachuca (+1)

10 points, 3-1-2, 8 GF, 7 GA

The Tuzos just added burly striker Leo Ramos and he contributed an assist immediately after making his club debut. It might take time for Pachuca to settle in since they had significant roster overhaul, but the return of Víctor Guzmán could make a big difference.

10. Necaxa (+4)

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

The Rayos have shed 6 starters over the past two seasons, but the front office always seems to find cost-effective replacements. If striker Lucas Passerini finds a comfort zone and Maxi Salas resolves his perpetual fitness issues, the Liguilla is a possibility.

11. Querétaro (–8)

7 points, 2-1-3, 8 GF, 7 GA

After two startling upsets (over Cruz Azul and América), the Gallos Blancos crashed down to earth, losing at Atlas. Alex Diego knows he must convince his team to play hard for 90 minutes each and every game.

12. Santos Laguna (–2)

5 points, 1-2-3, 6 GF, 9 GA

The Guerreros badly miss playmaker Brian Lozano (out for the season with a broken leg) and 22-year-old Eduardo Aguirre must start finding the net to take the pressure off Julio Furch who is getting special attention from defenses in the absence of Lozano.

13. FC Juárez (—)

6 points, 1-3-2, 5 GF, 7 GA

The Bravos have not won since July but the recent addition of Marco Fabián should help kick-start an anemic offense.

14. Puebla (–5)

7 points, 2-1-3, 7 GF, 6 GA

The Camoteros scrambled and hustled all game against Tijuana, but too often it seemed purposeless. They lacked a playmaking presence in midfield and that could be a season-long issue.

15. Tijuana (+2)

7 points, 2-1-3, 5 GF, 9 GA

The Xolos released captain Miller Bolaños and striker Ariel Nahuelpan after the pair fought following the club’s Matchday 4 loss. Bolaños also had words with coach Pablo Guede and that was that. The club still has a decent roster and they acquitted themselves well in the 1-0 home win over Puebla.

16. Mazatlán FC (—)

5 points, 1-2-3, 7 GF, 11 GA

The 4-3 loss to Pachuca on Monday epitomized Mazatlán’s inaugural season. Tactical errors overcome with a rapid-fire fightback then a late letdown scuttles the result.

17. Atlas (+1)

5 points, 1-2-3, 5 GF, 8 GA

The Zorros picked up their first win of the season by taking advantage of a lethargic Querétaro team than might have figured it had an easy win after two big-time wins. Just goes to show that you can’t read your own press clippings.

18. Atlético de San Luis (–3)

5 points, 1-2-3, 8 GF, 10 GA

The Tuneros are not the worst team in the league, but they’ll have to prove it on the pitch. And with a wounded América set to pay a visit on Saturday, it won’t be an easy task.