Power Rankings: Pumas not perfect, but top Liga MX
Missteps costing clubs a shot at first-round playoff bye
5. Pachuca (—)
4-2-3, 14 points, 11 GF, 9 GA
A heartbreaking road loss to Cruz Azul is tough enough, but the Tuzos also lost skipper Jorge “Burrito” Hernández to a nasty leg injury. That could open up a spot for Víctor Guzmán in the midfield but Burrito’s defensive savvy will be hard to replace.
6. Querétaro (+4)
3-2-4, 11 points, 14 GF, 11 GA
The Gallos Blancos are 9th in the Liga MX standings, but after earning their first road point of the season with a gritty performance at Guadalajara, they deserve a bump up.
7. Tigres (+1)
2-5-2, 11 points, 12 GF, 11 GA
Just 2 wins and 11 points after 9 games is a disappointing haul for this title-chasing club. But they’ve got to feel good about getting goalie Nahuel Guzmán back after he missed a month with the coronavirus.
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8. Monterrey (-2)
3-4-2, 13 points 14 GF, 11 GA
Just when you think the Rayados have returned to elite status they lay an egg. A home draw against lowly Atlas is a tough one to swallow for coach Antonio Mohamed.
9. Guadalajara (-2)
3-3-3, 12 points, 8 GF, 7 GA
The Chivas thought they had 3 points sewn up when star striker J.J. Macías stepped up for a penalty kick in added time. Alas, he was denied and the club’s scoring difficulties have become even more apparent (only two Liga MX teams have scored fewer goals). What’s worse, netminder José Antonio Rodríguez let in another soft goal.
10. FC Juárez (+2)
2-4-3, 10 points, 8 GF, 10 GA
The Bravos play hard and smart and they became the first road team to collect points at Toluca’s Nemesio Diez Stadium.
11. Santos Laguna (-2)
2-3-4, 9 points, 10 GF, 13 GA
The last time Santos lost a Liga MX game at home was on March 17, 2019 (1-2 vs Necaxa). Coach Guillermo Almada is juggling his line-up and giving youngsters a chance, but nobody has yet provided a spark on offense.
12. Atlas (+3)
2-3-4, 9 points, 8 GF, 11 GA
The Zorros have gone 2-1-1 since Diego Cocca took over and the club is playing with confidence. A win over visiting Mazatlán on Saturday would put them in the middle of the wildcard race.