At least two of these teams will make the playoffs
11. UNAM (+1)
The Pumas have a short bench and their stretch run will be made more difficult due to their Concacaf Champions League obligations. Of course, if they knock off Cruz Azul to reach the CCL Final, then Liga MX qualification will take a back seat.
12. Toluca (+2)
Have the Diablos Rojos finally turned the corner? Ignacio Ambriz had one foot out the door until “Los Choriceros” demonstrated winning form against Puebla. I always said it would take some time to implant his style in Toluca, but unnecessary locker room drama looked certain to curtail the experiment.
13. Atlético de San Luis (+2)
The Tuneros display grit and gumption and that was enough to get past Liga MX weakling Mazatlán FC over the weekend. Their remaining schedule features three winnable games and if the Pumas (Matchday 15) are still involved in Concacaf Champions League play, points are certainly available against them too.
14. Necaxa (–3)
The Rayos just can’t win at home (1-0-5) and three of their five remaining games are at Estadio Victoria. That doesn’t bode well for Jimmy Lozano who is probably dreaming about summer transfer targets already.
15. Tijuana (–2)
The Xolos played the Tigres tough for an hour but simply could not hold off the best team in Liga MX for an entire game. A Wednesday make-up game against Atlético de San Luis is an opportunity to state their intention for a wildcard spot.
16. Querétaro (—)
The Gallos Blancos felt hard done by against León with numerous calls going against them. Of course, the decision to let the Esmeraldas retake a penalty that Washington Aguerre stopped was not one of them. Erik Vera clearly invaded the box before Angel Mena took the spot kick. A terrible mistake by the Querétaro defender.
17. FC Juárez (+1)
The Bravos are sliding into oblivion while the front office desperately tries to convince veteran tactician “Tuca” Ferretti to stay on beyond this season. The curmudgeonly coach is not comfortable in the border city and he does not take losing very well either.
18. Mazatlán FC (–1)
The Cañoneros have never made the playoffs and that record is not going to change this season.