Liga MX Power Rankings: América claims top spot after Clásico win

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Twenty-two year-old Jesús Ocejo (right) has earned a starting spot up front for Santos Laguna. (Photo by Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Chase for first-round playoff bye begins in earnest

3. Santos (+3)

Record: 6-3-2 21 points

Coach Guillermo Aldama is again having great success with academy players stepping into the line-up and producing. Teen striker Santi Muñoz (18) is thriving alongside Jesús Ocejo (22), while midfielder Omar Campos (18) has also earned playing time.

4. Monterrey (–1)

Record: 5-4-2 19 points

The Rayados seemed to have a legitimate beef that an apparent Rogelio Funes Mori goal was improperly annulled when their game at Cruz Azul was still scoreless. But Monterrey managed only 8 shots all game and still seems to lack polish on the offensive end.

5. Atlas (+2)

Record: 5-3-3 18 points

The Zorros extended their unbeaten run to seven games but the 1-0 win at Puebla was unspectacular. Up next is the only Liga MX team with a longer streak – Cruz Azul – and coach Diego Cocca must demand greater efficiency or watch his team lose for the first time since Jan. 23.

6. Toluca (–2)

Record: 5-3-3 18 points

The Diablos Rojos lost at home for the first time this season, but with playmaker Rubens Sambueza out after picking up a minor abductor injury last week, it was always going to be difficult. Still, coach Hernán Cristante must have been disappointed that nobody stepped up to fill the void.

7. Puebla (–1)

Record: 4-4-3 16 points

The Camoteros have been the biggest surprise through the first half of the Liga MX season, but they sure turned in a stinker in their 1-0 home loss to Atlas. First-year coach Nicolás Larcamón will hope “La Franja” can turn things back around at Toluca on Sunday before shutting down for the FIFA break.

10. Tijuana (—)

Record: 3-4-4 13 points

The Xolos are 0-1-4 in their last five and have been outscored 9-4 since defeating holders León back on Matchday 6, a win that moved them into third place with a 3-3-0 record. Coach Pablo Guede must find a way to stop this free-fall, and quickly!

10. Querétaro (+2)

Record: 4-2-5 14 points

The Gallos Blancos ended a 5-game winless streak with an impressive 2-1 win over visiting Atlético de San Luis. They will hope to continue this form into the FIFA break when they visit Tijuana on Saturday.

10. Mazatlán (+3)

Record: 4-2-5 14 points

The Purple Gang stunned the Tigres – and all Liga MX fans – with a 2-1 win at “El Volcán.” It helped that Javier Aquino was red-carded in minute 11 and Tommy Boy’s team got an even bigger boost when André-Pierre Gignac flubbed a penalty kick in minute 70.

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Liga MX Power Rankings: América claims top spot

By Thomas Buckley | Mar 18, 2021