Liga MX: Chivas-Rayos tops Wildcard Saturday

The winner here is a genuine ‘Liguilla’ threat

The Santos-Pachuca match arguably offers the most appealing match-up. This should be an entertaining, free-flowing game, as was their Matchday 14 clash that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams went unbeaten in October and entered the final matchday with playoff berths already clinched. Santos went 5-1-1 down the stretch, outscoring their seven opponents by a 14-5 margin. The Tuzos were riding a 7-game unbeaten streak before losing in the finale while resting several starters.

Santos coach Guillermo Almada finally settled on a favored line-up in mid-season after losing star winger Brian Lozano to a broken leg before Opening Day. Their fortunes turned around after Octavio Rivero was inserted alongside captain Julio Furch on the front line and Walter Gael Sandoval won a starting spot on the wing. Sandoval provided width and service, adding pace and versatility to the attack.

Jack-of-all trades Fernando Gorriarán and Furch are the players Pachuca must stop to advance to the “Liguilla.” Almada used Gorriarán in several spots as injuries, Covid and tactics demanded. His hustle energizes the Guerreros and adds physicality to the middle of the pitch.

Physicality has been a problem on defense, however, as Hugo Rodríguez and Félix Torres have been prone to bad fouls (and red cards). Veteran defender Matheus Doria must keep his line-mates in check.

Panic and rashness is unnecessary with Carlos Acevedo having a break-out year in front of net. The young goalie led Liga MX in saves (58) and posted 5 clean sheets.

At the other end of the pitch, Oscar Ustari was equally spectacular. The Pachuca keeper led the league in 1-on-1 stops, denying opponents 40 times. Ustari had 6 shut-outs and was third in Liga MX in goal average (1 goal per 110.76 minutes; Acevedo’s average was 76.5 minutes).

In contrast to Santos’ dashing attack, the Tuzos are more pragmatic. That’s partly due to the lack of productivity among Pachuca forwards. Coach Paulo Pezzolano has tinkered with his line-up without much success.

Víctor Dávila led Pachuca with 5 goals and Ismael Sosa has been effective, but Santos must be aware of attacking midfielder Víctor Guzmán.

There’s no doubt the Tuzos are stronger playing out of the back and left back Erick Aguirre will sneak forward every chance he gets. In the middle, Oscar Murillo and Gustavo Cabral lead a sturdy defense capable of holding up against twin towers Furch and Rivero.