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Tuzos reclaim top spot in Liga MX Power Rankings

By Thomas Buckley

Pachuca had plenty to celebrate last week, defeating the Tigres to move to the top of the table. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Pachuca had plenty to celebrate last week, defeating the Tigres to move to the top of the table. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX Rankings 13
Maxi Meza (left) and the Monterrey defense kept close tabs on Alexis Vega Wednesday night as the Rayados claimed a big 3-1 road win to move into fourth place in the Liga MX table. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Liga MX champ could yet come from this group

4. Monterrey (+3)

The Rayados finally made up all their games after missing two matchdays while competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in February then seeing a game in Guadalajara postponed due to a Coldplay concert. If they play the rest of the season like they did in the second half against the Chivas on Wednesday, watch out! And former Guadalajara coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich might appreciate the irony that his team’s 3-1 win led to the ouster of his successor there, Marcelo Michel Leaño.

5. Atlas (—)

The defending champs have not impressed this season but they have given up the fewest goals in Liga MX (10) and only Pachuca and the Tigres have more victories.

6. Cruz Azul (–3)

The Cementeros are in a funk after getting knocked out of the Concacaf Champions League by the Pumas and their poor form was illustrated by a dismal display at Mazatlán FC last weekend. If Juan Reynoso can’t get “La Máquina” pointed in the right direction, it will be a brief postseason.

7. América (+2)

The Aguilas have won three straight and have climbed into 11th place with an arrow. Interim coach Fernando Ortiz has turned “Los AzulCremas” from Liga MX laughing stock to a team no-one will want to face early in the playoffs.

8. Santos Laguna (–2)

The Guerreros are the lone team in these rankings whose position is considerably higher than in the Liga MX standings. That’s because of a terrible start to the Clausura 2022 which their improving form has not quite overcome yet. Interim coach Eduardo Fentanes should guide this team into the playoffs, perhaps earning a shot at the permanent job.

9. León (–1)

The Esmeraldas have struggled all season to find an offensive rhythm; it’s hard to believe that this once fine-tuned machine has scored just 12 goals. If coach Ariel Holan does not come up with a solution soon (Puebla, América and Santos Laguna are next on the schedule), “La Fiera” might find even a wildcard berth slip out of their grasp.

10. UNAM (+1)

The Pumas are going to have a tough run down the stretch with the two-legged Concacaf Champions League Final coming before and after Matchday 17. Still, there’s no doubt that this scrappy bunch will not back down from either challenge.

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