Streaking Cruz Azul tops Liga MX Power Rankings
The Liga MX season just passed the three-quarter pole and it is a two-horse race with Cruz Azul and América running well out front and a pack of teams clustered in the middle of the table.
Matchday 13 saw overachieving Puebla gather up 3 more points while Guadalajara settled for its seventh draw, giving rise to a new nickname for the beloved club – the UnderaChivas.
A few steps behind the clubs clustered in the chasing pack you’ll find the Tigres and the Pumas, both falling well short of preseason expectations.
The only major development was the re-emergence of León as a serious contender, flashing some of the form that led the Esmeraldas to their eighth Liga MX title last season. “La Fiera” – the biggest mover in this week’s list – rose from seventh in last week’s rankings to the No. 4 spot. That’s a new high for Ignacio Ambriz and las “Panzas Verdes.”
So without further ado …
Liga MX Power Rankings after Matchday 13
1. Cruz Azul
The Cementeros set a new club record with an 11th consecutive win, getting a last-minute goal from “Cabecita” Rodríguez to nab a 1-0 victory over a plucky FC Juárez club.
2. América
The Aguilas toughed out a 2-1 win over Necaxa but the road gets considerably tougher. Up next, a visit to “El Volcán” to face a proud Tigres team with their backs to the walls. Then comes the showdown we’re all waiting for – Cruz Azul and América – with the top playoff seed on the line.
3. Monterrey
The talented Rayados continue to be profligate in attack, a deficiency that coach Javier Aguirre will want resolved before the Liguilla.
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4. León
The defending champs appear to be getting their offensive machine revved up and skipper Luis Montes is pulling the strings with flair.
5. Santos
The Guerreros managed a draw on the road against the Chivas days after losing midfield dynamo Fernando Gorriarán to a season-ending injury. Mad genius Guillermo Almada is forced back to the drawing board; his young minions (especially Santi Muñoz) must come of age, and quickly.
6. Toluca
The Diablos are winless in their last four, but they played well in the 2-1 loss at León. Coach Hernán Cristante must get his team back in the win column and he’ll want to start Sunday against Monterrey. A huge game at “La Bombonera.”
7. Atlas
The Zorros host holders León knowing that they can’t afford to lose points in their race to avoid last place in the “Relegation Standings,” which comes with a 120 million-peso booby prize.
8. Puebla
The Camoteros have the second-lowest payroll in Liga MX yet coach Nicolás Larcamón has “La Franja” contending for a Top 4 finish. The 36-year-old is a clear favorite to claim Liga MX Coach of the Year honors.