Liga MX: Apertura 2021 season gets off to a wobbly start

Liga MX favorites rise, fast-starting Toluca slips

Toluca sprinted out of the starting gate, winning its first three matches in dominating fashion to sit atop the Liga MX table. But the Diablos Rojos have not won since, getting blanked twice in the process.

A win against lowly UNAM on Sunday would go a long way toward calming nerves heading into the FIFA break. Coach Hernán Cristante has seen this picture before as Toluca was unbeaten through six weeks last season before staggering to the finish line and just barely making the playoffs.

Title favorites Monterrey and Cruz Azul are in the hunt for a Top 4 seeding, but neither has been convincing. For all its payroll wealth, Monterrey is efficient, but boring. Tightening up tactical discipline and improving its finishing would rev up the Rayados.

Cruz Azul has yet to settle into its title defense. The Cementeros were among those most affected by absence of national teamers. Niggling injuries also forced Juan Reynoso to open the season very shorthanded – 8 men missing for Week 1, 10 absent for Week 2. Reynoso’s penchant for rotating line-ups has not paid off yet and, frankly, it looks more like rotation-for-rotation’s sake rather than solid strategic planning.

Filling out the top eight are Atlas and Necaxa; these two mid-table franchises can make a statement of intent this weekend, or perhaps reveal hidden pretender identities.

The Zorros boast one of the toughest defenses in Liga MX, allowing a measly 2 goals in six matches. The four clean sheets turned in by keeper Camilo Vargas have been good for only 8 points, because the “Los Rojinegros” offense has scored a nearly as measly 4 goals.]

Necaxa offset a season-opening three-game losing streak with a three-game win streak that was more about their rivals’ ineffectiveness than a sudden power surge.