Pachuca remains King of the Liga MX Hill
The Clausura 2022 has reached its final weekend with 10 of the 12 Liga MX playoff berths occupied, though most of the seedings are yet to be determined.
A rash of upsets and some late-season streaks and slumps have kept the standings – and the Playing for 90 Power Rankings – in a state of flux.
Six teams remain in the hunt for the final two postseason spots and eight clubs are battling for a first-round bye, so Matchday 17 should provide oodles of drama.
Liga MX Power Rankings, Matchday 16
The penultimate Liga MX Power Rankings sees a bit of movement among the playoff teams, reflecting slumps (Cruz Azul, León and Monterrey) and streaks (América, Chivas and Necaxa).
As always, the figure in parentheses after each club’s name indicates that team’s movement compared to the previous rankings.
1. Pachuca (—)
The Tuzos crushed Monterrey over the weekend and have clinched the No. 1 seed throughout the Liga MX playoffs and a victory in the season finale at UNAM would tie the all-time record for points in a 17-game season.
2. América (+2)
The Aguilas have won six straight while outscoring the opposition 14-1 since installing Fernando Ortiz as interim coach. The AzulCremas could earn a first-round playoff bye with a victory over slumping Cruz Azul if either Puebla or Atlas fail to win.
3. Tigres (–1)
The Tigres were looking unbeatable until an April 7 loss at Pachuca. Miguel Herrera’s men have lost two of four since.
4. Puebla (–1)
The Camoteros were the last Liga MX team to lose a game (on Matchday 10), but have only won once since. Their fantastic start has kept them in the top 4 but they are not entering the playoffs on a positive note. A win at Mazatlán FC would help.
5. Atlas (+1)
The reigning Liga MX champs exploded for four goals last week but they came against the league’s worst defense (Toluca). A win over the Tigres in their home finale could boost their title defense chances.
6. Monterrey (–1)
The Rayados lost just once in a seven-game stretch from March 2 through April 13, but have gone 0-1-2 in their last three. A win at home against Tijuana could send them into the wildcard round with momentum.
7. Guadalajara (+1)
The Chivas responded to the firing of coach Marcelo Michel Leaño by winning three straight. A victory at Necaxa would guarantee home field in their wildcard match.
7. Necaxa (+1)
The Rayos stunned prognosticators (including this one) by defeating the Tigres and Puebla last week to clinch their first playoff berth in three seasons.
9. Cruz Azul (–2)
The Juan Reynoso era appears to be coming to a close unceremoniously just two seasons after the former Cementeros defender led “La Máquina” to the Liga MX title to the club’s 24-year drought.
10. Atlético de San Luis (+1)
The Tuneros are this season’s giant killers and Sunday’s 1-0 triumph at Cruz Azul clinched the franchise’s second consecutive playoff berth.
11. UNAM (–1)
The Pumas are running out of steam. Competing in two competitions has exhausted the club’s thin roster but a win in the Concacaf Champions League Final would take the sting out of their fade in the Liga MX table
12. León (+1)
The Esmeraldas are in complete disarray and their former coach – Toluca’s Ignacio Ambriz – could put them out of their misery by winning in his first appearance back at the Camp Nou since leaving for Spain last summer.
13. Santos Laguna (–1)
The Guerreros were poised for a return to the playoffs after an impressive 3-1 win over Pachuca back on Matchday 12 but they’ve gone 0-2-2 since and now need a miracle to claim a wildcard berth.
14. Toluca (–2)
The Diablos have been atrocious on defense – a league-worst 32 goals allowed – yet could snag a wildcard spot with a win at León and a Mazatlán loss or tie against Puebla.
15. Mazatlán FC (+2)
The Cañoneros have never made the Liga MX playoffs but last week’s 2-0 win over FC Juárez means they can dream. A win over visiting Puebla plus a Toluca win at León or a Pumas loss or tie against Pachuca would do the trick.
16. Tijuana (—)
The Xolos need to overhaul their roster. Despite a seemingly talented squad, the club has only managed just four victories.
17. Querétaro (–2)
The Gallos Blancos have the fewest wins in Liga MX (two) and this season will forever be blemished by the disgraceful riot at Estadio Corregidora on March 5.
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18. FC Juárez (—)
The 11-loss Bravos will be starting from scratch next season. No other Liga MX team has more than eight losses.