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Rankings: León remains King of Liga MX jungle

By Thomas Buckley

León has had plenty to celebrate this season and they carry a 13-game unbeaten streak into the final weekend.. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
León has had plenty to celebrate this season and they carry a 13-game unbeaten streak into the final weekend.. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX rankings 16
When Carlos González scores, the Pumas pick up points. He scored the equalizer against the Chivas on the weekend. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) /

Next stop for these six clubs: The Liga MX playoffs

5. UNAM (–1)

The Pumas looked vulnerable at times against Guadalajara over the weekend but pulled out a draw that keeps them in the fight for a first-round playoff bye. The loss of right back Alan Mozo (red card against the Chivas) will be an annoyance against Cruz Azul, but not so much if keeper Alfredo Talavera continues his MVP form.

6. Cruz Azul (–3)

The Cementeros have looked a mess of late, getting shut out in four of their past six Liga MX games. Fourth-place Cruz Azul was in first place when their offensive power outage struck. Coach Robert Siboldi has tinkered with his line-up (replacing Santi Giménez up front with Milton Caraglio), but his bigger problem is in midfield where there seems to be a gaping hole. The offense has been reduced to speculative long balls and aimless crosses, not a recipe for success.

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7. Santos (—)

The Guerreros held their own on the road against league-leading León and the intensity of the match was reflected in news of a post-game scuffle in the ramp leading to the locker rooms. Coach Guillermo Almada claims León coach Ignacio Ambriz started the melee by insulting Fernando Gorriarán. Santos must put this one behind them as quickly as possible and focus on getting a win in the finale. They host Mazatlán, a team chasing one of the final playoff spots.

8. Pachuca (—)

The Tuzos are on a 7-game unbeaten run but five of those results are draws, so coming away from Tijuana with a 2-0 win was a boost. The result virtually secures home-field advantage in the wildcard round as seventh-place Pachuca has a 3-point advantage over ninth-place Santos. A loss vs Necaxa could put that bit of security at risk.

9. Guadalajara (—)

The Chivas enter the Liga MX playoffs riven by strife (four players suspended for violating team rules and one of those four – Dieter Villalpando – facing criminal charges) and a shortage of locker room harmony. Captain Jesús Molina is getting raked over the coals for failing to exert influence over the irresponsible revelry. Also, star striker J.J. Macías voiced his unhappiness about management to GQ magazine and he was on the bench against the Pumas.

10. Necaxa (—)

The Rayos won their fourth straight game to earn a spot in the wildcard round and could actually climb as high as eighth. They would have to defeat Pachuca in their finale and hope Santos fails to beat Mazatlán. A loss to the Tuzos could see Necaxa drop as low as 12th.

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