León moves to top of Liga MX Power Rankings

Postseason hopes fading for this group

It’s too early to dismiss playoff dreams for the following teams (except for Necaxa and Atlético de San Luis), but quality of play has been sorely lacking in the bottom third of our Power Rankings. Tijuana was considered a dark-horse candidate, but the Covid-19 virus has hit the Xolos with a fury. It could be difficult to overcome this disruption.

13. Tijuana (—)

3-1-6, 10 points, 8 GF, 16 GA

The Xolos were hit hard by coronavirus and will not play again until Sept. 30 when they will make up the suspended Matchday 11 game against FC Juárez. Their Matchday 12 game against Santos has been postponed until a later date.

14. Atlas (—)

2-4-5, 10 points, 9 GF, 13 GA

The Zorros suffered their first loss since Diego Cocca took charge after Matchday 5. Atlas has not shown huge improvement, but Cocca has steadied the ship and is giving youngsters minutes.

15. Mazatlán (+1)

2-4-5, 10 points, 13 GF, 19GA

Mazatlán had reason to complain after Ref Oscar Macías botched a call in the club’s 3-2 loss to Cruz Azul (We’ll address the poor refereeing in our next post). This team has the talent to make a playoff run down the stretch.

16. Toluca (–1)

4-1-6, 13 points, 15 GF, 22 GA

I’ve no idea how coach José Manuel de la Torre still has a job. The Diablos have not won since Aug. 23 and have been outscored 4-12 in the five games since that win.

17. Atlético de San Luis (—)

2-2-7, 8 points, 13 GF, 21 GA

Reports suggest that the only reason coach Guillermo Vázquez has not been fired is that ownership does not want to pay his severance package. “Memo” agreed to a pay cut to help the team address the financial crunch caused by the pandemic, but insisted that his release clause remain untouched. That seems to be the only reason he’s still there.

18. Necaxa (—)

2-2-7, 8 points, 7 GF, 17 GA

The Rayos look awful. I can imagine new coach José Guadalaupe Cruz at the locker room chalkboard before the Puebla match suddenly just tossing the chalk away and saying: “OK, boys, just play hard and try not to score in our net.”