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Power Rankings: Pumas reach Liga MX summit

By Thomas Buckley

The Pumas remain unbeaten through 8 games. (Photo by CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP via Getty Images)
The Pumas remain unbeaten through 8 games. (Photo by CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Liga MX Power Rankings 8
J.J. Macías (left) scored for the Chivas to end a personal four-game drought. (Photo by Alfredo Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Nos. 7-13: Clubs can still aspire to playoff bye

7. Chivas (+4)

3-2-3, 11 points, 7 GF, 6 GA

We always knew these young Goats were frisky and rambunctious. They just needed someone to focus their energy in the right direction. The 3-1 win at the Tigres was the first win at “El Volcán” in 10 years, ending a 0-6-7 run for “El Rebaño Sagrado.” Víctor Manuel Vucetich is burnishing his “King Midas” reputation and the more time he has to instill discipline, the more likely Guadalajara will be a top seed. The Sept. 19 Super Clásico is shaping up to be a real humdinger.

8. Tigres (–1)

2-4-2, 10 points, 10 GF, 11 GA

Coach “Tuca” Ferretti is not getting value out of his high-priced roster and part of that might be down to poor decisions by the old coach. The title favorites still have plenty of time to straighten things out, but “Tuca” might need to consider sprucing up the offense instead of insisting on the deliberate style of play he has long favored.

9. Santos (—)

2-3-3, 9 points, 9 GF, 11 GA

The Guerreros stole a road draw at FC Juárez but still have not found a rhythm. One wonders if coach Guillermo Almada will tinker with his midfield. Veteran Diego Valdés is not clicking and Julio Furch and Eduardo Aguirre would benefit from better quarterbacking. Unbeaten UNAM pays Santos a visit on Wednesday.

10. Querétaro (+3)

3-1-4, 10 points, 13 GF, 10 GA

The Gallos Blancos finally showed some of that firepower on display in their Matchday 5 demolition of América (by the same 4-1 scoreline) but Thursday’s win came against fast-sinking Toluca. They’ll need to bring more of the same energy against the Chivas on Tuesday.

11. Tijuana (+6)

3-1-4, 10 points, 7 GF, 13 GA

The Xolos were dark-horse favorites among some bettors after a roster overhaul, but were on a 1-1-4 slide before upsetting Monterrey on Friday. First-year coach Pablo Guede has plenty of time to work his magic and he’s shown patience with his young team. Tijuana could develop into a playoff nightmare for some unlucky top seed.

12. FC Juárez (+2)

1-4-3, 7 points, 7 GF, 10 GA

The Bravos are hands down the Hard Luck Team of the Guardianes 2020. Against Santos, a great individual effort by Brian Garnica in minute 82 denied Juárez the 3 points. A 1-1 draw against the Guerreros isn’t bad, but Gabriel Caballero’s boys desperately need points.

13. Puebla (–3)

3-1-4, 10 points, 12 GF, 11 GA

The Camoteros might be the most unpredictable team in Liga MX. Puebla looked very good last week in routing Toluca 4-1 but were taken apart by Pumas by the same score on Saturday. Juan Reynoso’s squad has only won once since Matchday 3. Not good.

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