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Liga MX: Tuzos top Power Rankings, Rayos soar to No. 8

By Thomas Buckley

Necaxa stunned the Tigres on Matchday 16 by shutting out the highest-scoring offense in Liga MX. The 2-0 bolstered the Rayos' playoff chances.(Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Necaxa stunned the Tigres on Matchday 16 by shutting out the highest-scoring offense in Liga MX. The 2-0 bolstered the Rayos' playoff chances.(Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Liga MX Power Rankings M16
Monterrey couldn’t shake free from the scrappy Atlas defense as the two clubs battled to a scoreless draw. Both teams are on the verge of clinching a spot in the Liga MX playoffs. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Time to declare postseason intentions

5. Monterrey (—)

The Rayados dropped points at home against defending Liga MX champs Atlas and striker Vincent Janssen heard some boos after smacking the potential game-winner off the crossbar. With starter Rogelio Funes Mori sidelined, Monterrey is desperately looking for goals and the Dutchman has not delivered.

6. Atlas (—)

The holders are barely scoring a goal a game (16 in 15 matches) and their defense is not as consistently impenetrable as it was last season. Still, the Zorros are a force to be reckoned with, equally as good at home and on the road.

7. Cruz Azul (+1)

The Cementeros climbed into fourth place with Thursday night’s win over Querétaro, but they lack precision. Juan Reynoso’s constant line-up tinkering has prevented this team from settling into a comfort zone and it shows up on the pitch where players don’t appear to know their roles.

8. Necaxa (+5)

The Rayos are definitely overrated in these rankings but they have found a rhythm at the right time, winning two consecutive home games after starting the season 1-0-5 at Estadio Victoria. Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the visiting Tigres may not guarantee a playoff spot for Jaime Lozano and the gang but if they play with the same intensity, they’ll deserve this ranking.

8. Guadalajara (+2)

The Chivas have won two straight since sacking Marcelo Michel Leaño and may have salvaged the season as a result. “The Most Popular Team in Liga MX” controls its own destiny. The Pumas pay a visit to Estadio Akron on Saturday then “The Goats” visit Necaxa to close out the season.

10. UNAM (–3)

The Pumas are huffing and puffing as they continue to chase two pieces of hardware – the Liga MX title and the Concacaf Champions League trophy. With a short bench, Andrés Lillini has his work cut out for him and this club will be exhausted if they manage to make the playoffs – April 23 at Chivas; April 27 vs Seattle Sounders; May 1 vs Pachuca; May 4 at Seattle; May 8 wildcard match (?).

11. Atlético de San Luis (+3)

The Tuneros bounced back from a Week 14 loss at Necaxa by shutting down UNAM to climb back into the heart of the wildcard chase. A visit to Cruz Azul on Saturday will be a big test while their season finale at home against Santos Laguna will surely have a playoff feel to it.

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