Cementeros top first Liga MX Power Rankings
Last year’s finalist languishes near the cellar
15. Atlas (2-2-3, 8 points, –1)
The Zorros’ record is misleading thanks to the 3 points América gifted them. However, the “administrative” win gives them a 4-game unbeaten streak to work with (2-2-0). Even more importantly, it gives them hope at avoiding a last-place finish in the “relegation” standings, a position that brings with it a 120 million-peso fine.
16. UNAM (1-2-4, 5 points, –2)
Last year’s finalist are a shadow of the team they were in November when they made a stirring run through the Liguilla, only to come up short against León. The Pumas simply have not been able to generate any offense. The loss of striker Carlos Gonzáles to Tigres was compounded by the lengthy absence of top scorer Juan Ignacio Dinenno who just returned from a knee injury. They will be desperate for a win in Guadalajara on Sunday night.
17. Necaxa (1-3-3, 6 points, –4)
The scrappy Rayos played well down the stretch last season but really lack punch in attack this season although Martín Barragán has sprung to life, scoring twice after this season to end a drought that stretched back two years to January 2019. Despite hustling their way to three draws, don’t bet on the Rayos to nab a playoff spot this season.
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18. Pachuca (0-3-4, 3 points, –5)
The Tuzos – the lone winless team – look ragged and coach Paulo Pezzolano is the odds-on favorite to be the first Liga MX coach to get sacked. Pachuca came away with a draw against the Chivas on Monday, but wasted a penalty kick and hit the woodwork twice. The beleaguered manager used two teenagers in the starting line-up as his veteran forwards have been nothing short of inept. What’s worse, midfield playmaker Víctor Guzmán had knee surgery over the weekend and will miss the rest of the season.