The first games back from a FIFA break can be unpredictable and Matchday 12 in Liga MX was no exception.
Some teams appear refreshed, some see momentum interrupted and those who have multiple players out on international duty might appear tired. Over the weekend, we saw the continuing resurgence of Santos Laguna and América, while at the top of the standings Pachuca stumbled for the first time since Matchday 1.
León had four key players in South America for World Cup qualifiers and the Esmeraldas returned to league play looking flat. Meanwhile, Monterrey and Guadalajara – both with players on international duty – saw their Matchday 12 game postponed, so rust might certainly be a concern for them when they finally get back on the pitch.
Liga MX Power Rankings Week 12
So let’s get right to it. With only five matchdays remaining, the jostling for playoff positions will take on greater urgency.
There was little movement among teams this time around, but that surely won’t be the case as the Liga MX moves down the home stretch.
As always, the figure inside the parentheses after each club’s name reflects that team’s movement in comparison to the previous rankings.
1. Tigres (—)
Miguel Herrera has transformed the Tigres from a pragmatic ball-possession team to an attacking behemoth. If the back line holds firm, this team will surely be in the Liga MX Final.
2. Pachuca (–1)
The Tuzos were overrun by a swarming Santos side that rarely gave Guillermo Almada’s team room to breath. They’ll have a chance to recover on Thursday – and reclaim first place in the Liga MX standings and in these rankings – when they host the Tigres in a make-up game.
3. Cruz Azul (+2)
The Cementeros still need work closing games out as Cruz Azul fans find it hard to relax until the final whistle blows. “La Máquina” has not time to reflect on this problem, however, as a Concacaf Champions League semifinal match against the Pumas awaits tonight.
4. Atlas (—)
The Zorros twice thought they had equalized against Cruz Azul only to see both goals wiped out (correctly) for offside, thus falling to the Cementeros 1-0. Atlas remains one of the stingiest defenses in Liga MX (9 goals allowed), but the Foxes have scored just 13 times in 12 matches.