Power Rankings: Aguilas soar as Cementeros sink

There was a bit more movement in the latest Liga MX Power Rankings than we like to see this late in the season but that is due to extended slumps (Cruz Azul), overachieving (Pumas) and one streaking team (América).

The other member of the Liga MX’s so-called Big 4 – Guadalajara – also climbed a bit, but they have been yo-yoing wildly all season, a trend that cost Marcelo Michel Leaño his job last week.

Matchday 15 kicks off tomorrow as the rush to the Clausura 2022 finish line continues apace so we will make this a quick review since another list will have to be published on Thursday before Matchday 16 begins at the weekend.

As always, the figure in parentheses after each club’s name reflects that team’s movement compared to the previous rankings.

Liga MX Power Rankings after 14 matches

1. Tigres (+1)

Miguel Herrera has his team purring on all cylinders. They lead all Liga MX offenses averaging just over 2 goals per game.

2. Pachuca (–1)

The Tuzos fell out of first place on goal differential after a listless 2-1 win over last-place FC Juárez, perhaps suffering a letdown after defeating the Tigres on April 7.

3. Puebla (—)

The Camoteros ended a 4-game winless streak with a big road win at León, strengthening their hold on the No. 3 seed.

4. América (+3)

The Aguilas are the hottest team in Liga MX, riding a 4-game win streak out of the depths of the table.

5. Monterrey (–1)

The Rayados wasted a chance to fasten a tighter grip on fourth place, losing at the death to the 10-man Pumas.

6. Atlas (–1)

The defending champs have been leaking goals at inopportune times, no longer the most feared defense in Liga MX.

7. UNAM (+3)

The Pumas are a scrappy team that continually thumbs their noses at the pundits, beating favorites by fighting for 90 minutes.

8. Cruz Azul (–2)

The Cementeros are in a funk and have fallen from the No. 3 spot it reached just two weeks ago. “La Máquina” likely has a Liga MX playoff spot secured, but Juan Reynoso might have to buff up his CV if the club can’t turn things around.

9. León (–1)

The Esmeraldas have lost their offensive mojo, a problem magnified by the ongoing fitness issues of captain Luis Montes.

10. Guadalajara (+2)

Chivas fans have been on an emotional roller-coaster ride as their heroes lose when they can’t afford to and win when they are not expected to.

11. Toluca (–1)

The Diablos have defensive issues and are fortunate that they close out the Clausura against three of the weakest offensive teams in Liga MX (FC Juárez, León and Atlas).

12. Santos Laguna (–5)

The Guerreros’ tumble down the rankings here suggests they were overrated. They are capable of playing better and their schedule is favorable, but inconsistency is their enemy.

13. Necaxa (+1)

The Rayos finally won a home game but with the Tigres, Puebla and Guadalajara left to play, a postseason appearance is unlikely. And the “Relegation Zone” is a huge concern now.

14. Atlético de San Luis (–2)

The Tuneros lost at Necaxa to take the luster off their playoff credentials but have no time to lament their loss of form: the Pumas come to town on Wednesday

15. Querétaro (—)

The Gallos Blancos could be higher after an impressive four-game stretch (1-1 road draws at Santos Laguna and León, 1-0 home loss to No. 1 Tigres, 2-1 win over San Luis) and have an outside shot at the Liga MX playoffs – a home game vs slumping Cruz Azul is followed by winnable games against Tijuana and FC Juárez.

16. Tijuana (–2)

The Xolos are only 1 point out of a playoff spot but are the second-worst offense in Liga MX (11 goals). A win at Guadalajara on Tuesday is a must.

17. Mazatlán FC (—)

The Cañoneros are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but their 3 wins is third-worst in Liga MX (FC Juárez and Querétaro have 2 wins).

18. FC Juárez (—)

The Bravos are condemned to last place in the “Relegation Standings” and the 80 million-peso penalty that goes with it.