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Atlas, Puebla battle to stalemate; Cruz Azul in crisis

By Thomas Buckley

Puebla's Maxi Araujo (right) tormented the Atlas defense for much of their match, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
Puebla's Maxi Araujo (right) tormented the Atlas defense for much of their match, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX M5 1
Alexis Vega led 10-man Guadalajara to a 3-1 road win at FC Juárez on Wednesday. (Photo by Alejandro Rodriguez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Chivas host Tigres in early-season Liga MX showdown

The Chivas are coming off an inspirational comeback road win against FC Juárez. After falling behind in minute 7, Guadalajara was gifted an own-goal just before the half and figured to have momentum against the lowly Bravos.

That all changed when Chivas defender Gilberto Sepúlveda was shown a red card in minute 53. That’s when Alexis Vega came to the rescue. The elusive winger fired his team ahead in minute 83 then stole the ball along the sideline, circled deep down the left side and zipped a cross right onto the foot of Jesús Angulo and Guadalajara had a 3-1 victory.

The Most Popular Team in Liga MX will host the Tigres who are coming off a 4-3 win over Mazatlán FC. The victory hoisted Miguel Herrera’s men into sixth place in the Liga MX table, one spot behind the Chivas. Both teams have 7 points but Guadalajara has the better goal differential.

In Saturday’s nightcap, América’s Santiago Solari will be coaching to keep his job when the Aguilas play host to last place Santos Laguna. Both teams have just 1 point but the Guerreros’ –6 goal differential has them in the Liga MX cellar.

Solari must jump-start his offense while dealing with a frustrated locker room growing out of the coach’s line-up juggling. A few veterans – notably defender Bruno Valdez and forward Federico Viñas – are not getting the playing time they believe they deserve and team morale is sagging.

Ownership has reportedly informed Solari that he has until next Sunday (a midweek match at FC Mazatlán before a visit from Pachuca) to correct the team’s flaws or he’s gone.

In Saturday’s matinee, André Jardine will make his Liga MX debut for the host Tuneros as they take on Toluca. Jardine led Brazil to Olympic gold (beating Lozano and El Tri in the semifinals) and he took the Atlético de San Luis job 10 days and watched from the stands last weekend as the Tuneros stunned América 3-2.

Next. Liga MX coaches on the hot seat. dark

Toluca has not played since Jan. 21 as their Matchday 4 game was postponed due to Monterrey’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

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