Cementeros remain atop Liga MX Power Rankings
Pumas still unbeaten, Tigres no longer Liga MX front-runner
5. UNAM (+2)
3-4-0, 13 points, 11 GF, 6 GA
The Pumas remain the only undefeated team in Liga MX after snapping a run of four straight draws with an impressive 3-0 win over Tijuana. Striker Carlos González returned to the starting line-up after being benched last week and he responded with a brace. Coach Andrés Lillini appears to be pulling all the right strings and the youngsters are rewarding his faith in them.
6. Pachuca (+3)
3-2-2, 11 points, 8 GF, 7 GA
The Tuzos did not deserve to climb 3 spots based on their performance against the Chivas but benefit by poorer performances by the Tigres and Toluca. Pachuca played conservatively against Guadalajara, satisfied to collect a point on the road. Coach Paulo Pezzolano is likely salivating over the chance to work newcomers Leo Ramos and Víctor Guzmán into the starting line-up and both are likely to see plenty of action in the coming three-game stretch.
7. Tigres (-1)
2-4-1, 10 points, 10 GF, 7 GA
The powerhouse club dropped points late for the third consecutive match when Mazatlán found an equalizer in minute 90+7 off a corner kick. Coach “Tuca” Ferretti is stubbornly sticking to his conservative style and the veteran line-up appears to be going through the motions, expecting opponents to fold in the face of their “superiority.” But high salaries alone don’t win games and “Tuca” will likely have to juggle his starting unit to find a spark. Does he know Leo Fernández is on his roster?
8. Toluca (-6)
4-0-3, 12 points, 12 GF, 14 GA
I said last week that the Diablos were ranked too high, but “Chepo” de la Torre’s team was finding ways to win. That came crashing to a halt at Puebla and the loss showed that Toluca will have to figure out how not to be so dependent on Rubens Sambueza to create everything.
9. Santos (+3)
2-2-3, 8 points, 8 GF, 10 GA
The Guerreros extended their impressive home streak to 16-5-0 after a hard-fought 2-1 win over visiting Querétaro. Coach Guillermo Almada is still tinkering with his line-up, but replacing the injured Brian Lozano (broken leg) was never going to be an easy task. Forward Eduardo Aguirre is fighting hard, but he has yet to find a comfort zone alongside Julio Furch up front.
10. Puebla (+4)
3-1-3, 10 points, 11 GF, 7 GA
The Camoteros have been battling inconsistency but coach Juan Reynoso is hoping to build on his club’s impressive 4-1 win over Toluca. He’ll want to avoid another letdown against the lone remaining undefeated team in Liga MX when they visit UNAM on Saturday.
11. Chivas (-3)
2-2-3, 8 points, 4 GF, 5 GA
Guadalajara has let slip 7 of 12 points at home, falling to 1-2-1 after its second scoreless draw at Estadio Akron (against Pachuca). The Liga MX darlings are in disarray after a coaching change and discipline issues. Coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich is now 1-1-1 (suffering two consecutive shut-outs) since taking over for Luis Fernando Tena. The Chivas visit the Tigres next. That is never an easy task.
12. Necaxa (-2)
2-2-3, 8 points, 5 GF, 10 GA
The Rayos should probably have tumbled farther after the stink bomb they dropped in Estadio Azteca against Cruz Azul. The modest club from Aguascalientes saw its four-game unbeaten streak snapped and continues to struggle with possession in the final third. Coach Alfonso Sosa has been waiting for talented forward Maxi Salas to regain fitness, while an injury to midfielder David Cabrera could weaken the defense. It’s time for newcomers – including striker Lucas Passerini – to step up.