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FIFA break heightens drama of Liga MX stretch run

By Thomas Buckley

Team Mexico plays three games in seven days so some players will surely face fatigue issues upon returning to their respective Liga MX clubs. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Team Mexico plays three games in seven days so some players will surely face fatigue issues upon returning to their respective Liga MX clubs. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX Oct FIFA break
América goalie Guillermo Ochoa is likely to start all three matches for Team Mexico, perhaps putting his availability for the Aguilas’ Oct. 16 match against the Tuneros in doubt. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) /

América’s home stretch is toughest of Liga MX

The first-place Aguilas (25 points) have six players on international duty: Guillermo Ochoa, Jorge Sánchez, Sebastián Córdova and Henry Martín with Mexico; plus Richard Sánchez (Paraguay) and Roger Martínez (Colombia).

It’s possible that only Ochoa and Jorge Sánchez will see much playing time, so the other four could be available to start on Oct. 16 at Atlético de San Luis, a club with no players on duty with national teams. The Tuneros (7th place, 17 points) have been alone among the smaller franchises in taking advantage of the dense schedule that has impacted teams with multiple international stars, challenging for a playoff spot after finishing dead last a season ago.

The Aguilas follow that up with a home game against last season’s losing finalist Santos (Oct. 19), then host the Tigres and former coach Miguel Herrera on Oct. 23. After that emotional test, “Los AzulCremas” do battle against Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions League final on Oct. 28 before a date against reigning Liga MX champs Cruz Azul on Oct. 31, concluding the Apertura 2021 with another showdown against Monterrey.

If coach Santiago Solari and the Aguilas hold on to their spot and claim the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs, they will have earned it.

Other clubs facing uncertainty with regard to returning international players are Santos (9th place, 15 points) and Toluca (3rd place, 21 points). The Guerreros have four players away with their national teams, while the Diablos Rojos will be keeping an eye on three international squad members.

Puebla, Atlas, Guadalajara and the Tigres each have two players preparing to play World Cup qualifiers, while the Pumas, Mazatlán FC and the Xolos have a single player in that position.

Next. Is Solskjaer in trouble at United?. dark

Five clubs have their entire roster at their disposal during the FIFA break: the aforementioned Atlético de San Luis, plus Querétaro, FC Juárez, Necaxa and Pachuca.

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