Liga MX Power Rankings virtually unchanged after Matchday 10

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Santiago Ormeño (right) and Puebla held their own against the mighty Tigres, demonstrating that they intend to make waves in the playoffs. (Photo by Carlos Pacheco/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Still too early to print Liga MX playoff tickets

5. Puebla (—)

Record: 4-4-2 16 points

The modest Camoteros continue to be the surprise of the tournament. Coach Nicolás Larcamón has “La Franja” competing with top Liga MX clubs, most recently playing the Tigres to a well-earned 1-1 draw.

6. Santos (—)

Record: 5-3-2 18 points

The Guerreros got back on the winning track last weekend, but the 3-1 victory over last-placed Necaxa is nothing to get excited about. Teen sensation Santi Muñoz scored again as mad scientist Guillermo Almada did some more tinkering, inserting forwards Jesús Ocejo and Andrés Ibargüen into the starting line-up alongside Muñoz.

7. Atlas (+3)

Record: 4-3-3 15 points

The Zorros are on a nice little 7-game unbeaten run (4-3-0) after easing past a rapidly fading FC Juárez team. Atlas will get a much tougher test on Matchday 11, visiting sixth-place Puebla. A win for the Zorros would be a tremendous boost in their effort to avoid a hefty financial penalty by escaping the Relegation Standings cellar.

8. Tigres (–1)

Record: 3-3-3 12 points

The mighty Tigres are looking more like tame house cats since returning from their triumphant turn at the FIFA Club World Cup. Coach “Tuca” Ferretti has watched his team stumble meekly to a 1-2-2 record in Liga MX play since coming back from Qatar. The perennial title favorites are suddenly looking at the possibility of a wildcard playoff.

9. Chivas (—)

Record: 2-6-2 12 points

Mexico’s favorite team is muddling along once again, boasting just a pair of wins (2-6-2) and 12 points through 10 games. Heading into Sunday’s Super Clásico, “El Rebaño Sagrado” must face this reality – their team has stagnated. In the past decade, while América has chased titles each year, Guadalajara’s ambition was to salvage another mediocre season by winning the Super Clásico. Already a full 10 points behind the Aguilas, Guadalajara faces a must-win game in front of 12,000+ fans at Estadio Akron.

10. Tijuana (–2)

Record: 3-4-3 13 points

I’m forced to say it again: Since starting the season 3-3-0, the Xolos are winless and Monday’s 2-1 loss to Pachuca (the Tuzos’ first win of the Guardianes 2021 season) was rather embarrassing. Pablo Guede has problems to resolve on both offense and defense. Tijuana has given up 8 goals in its past 4 games (going 0-1-3) after posting 4 shut-outs in its first 6.

11. Atlético de San Luis (—)

Record: 3-3-4 12 points

Since a surprising 1-0 win over Santos on Matchday 7 boosted the Tuneros into 7th place, Leonel Rocco’s team has gone 0-2-1 and slipped into 10th place. A win on the road at Querétaro would go a long way toward positioning the Tuneros for a wildcard spot.

12. Querétaro (—)

Record: 3-2-5 11 points

The Gallos Blancos are suffering another midseason swoon, going winless across their past 5 games (0-2-3) while conceding 10 goals. Coach Héctor Altamirano has seen his team go 0-0-4 on the road. Fortunately, Querétaro hosts Atlético de San Luis next and can ill-afford to drop points at home where they are 3-2-0 on the season.

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Liga MX Power Rankings hold steady after Matchday 10

By Thomas Buckley | Mar 13, 2021