Streaking América rules inaugural Liga MX Power Rankings

A few weeks ago, we speculated that the Apertura 2022 had become a three-team race. Then Monterrey, Toluca and Tigres hit the skids while América, Santos and Pachuca heated up.

And just like that, the Liga MX season has become a bit of a free-for-all.

The compressed schedule (Liga MX officials wanted to declare a champion before the November World Cup) has resulted in injuries and fatigue, complicating the title chase and making it more of a rugged endurance test than a sprint.

All that being said, it is time to present the first Playing for 90 Power Rankings of the season – though a bit later than usual (primarily because of the schedule which has afforded little time for players, and scribes, to catch their breath).

Class of the Liga MX

1. América (7-1-3, 22 points)

The Aguilas are on a six-game win streak during which they have outscored opponents 19-2. “Los AzulCremas” used a similar run late last season to climb out of the basement and reach the Liga MX playoffs.

2. Monterrey (7-3-2, 24 points)

The Rayados have overcome a plethora of injuries thanks to a deep bench. Newcomers Rodrigo Aguirre and Germán Berterame are now leading the club’s potent attack.

3. Tigres (6-3-2, 21 points)

Miguel Herrera’s team have followed a five-game win streak with a loss, a win and three listless draws. “Los felinos” visit América Saturday, reviving the debate: Is Tigres-Aguilas a Liga MX “Clásico”?

4. Santos Laguna (7-1-3, 22 points)

The Guerreros revived their fortunes with a sterling August performance, going 5-0-1 while scoring 17 goals. Their 24 goals is tied with América for most in Liga MX.

5. Pachuca (6-3-2, 21 points)

The Tuzos finally seemed to have regained their form of last season when they led Liga MX with 38 points, rising the No. 1 seed to the Finals where they lost to Atlas.

6. Toluca (6-3-3, 21 points)

The Diablos Rojos have been maddeningly inconsistent, still struggling to execute the complex offensive tactics desired by Ignacio Ambriz. A hamstring injury to midfield playmaker Leo Fernández could spell trouble.

In the wildcard chase

7. Puebla (2-8-1, 14 points)

The Camoteros look like a smooth-running machine for long stretches but always manage to leave a gap for their rivals to escape. “La Franja” has gone 0-8-1 since opening the season with two wins.

8. Guadalajara (3-6-2, 15 points)

The Chivas were winless after eight games (0-6-2), but a three-game win streak have them dreaming of Liga MX glory. We’ll know more in mid-September after an eight-day stretch that will have them playing Puebla, Tigres and América.

9. Atlético de San Luis (3-5-4, 14 points)

The Tuneros are a tough out, the embodiment of the saying “greater than the sum of their parts.” Unfortunately, their remaining schedule (Tijuana, América, Atlas, Pachuca, Tigres) makes me think a Liga MX playoff berth is unlikely.

10. Tijuana (4-2-6, 14 points)

The Xolos are greatly improved (they finished 17th last season) but they still need to learn how to finish games.

11. Necaxa (4-2-5, 14 points)

The Rayos lack scoring punch and have a few holes on defense, but they could steal a wildcard berth if they survive their next three games (León, Santos Laguna, América) because they finish up with winnable games (Tijuana, Mazatlán FC, Atlas).

12. León (3-3-5, 12 points)

The Esmeraldas had been a shadow of the juggernaut that put fear in other Liga MX teams the past six seasons. Sunday’s 4-2 win over Atlas might ignite a turnaround.

A few pretenders but playoff dreams slipping away

13. Cruz Azul (3-2-6, 11 points)

The Cementeros are only one game removed from a 7-0 throttling at the hands of bitter rivals América, resulting in the sacking of coach Diego Aguirre. Interim manager Raúl Gutiérrez got a win in his debut but the club’s best back-liner Juan Escobar went down with a knee injury. That might be the blow that keeps “La Máquina” – the worst defense in Liga MX – out of the playoffs.

14. FC Juárez (2-6-3, 12 points)

The Bravos are no longer the worst team in Liga MX but a wildcard berth might be a bit much to ask.

15. Atlas (2-3-7, 9 points)

I know you should never underestimate the heart of a champion, but the two-time defending champs have played 60 games in the past 13 months and look bedraggled. The long-term injury loss of captain Aldo Rocha seemed to have taken their legs out from under them.

16. Mazatlán FC (2-5-4, 11 points)

The Cañoneros seemed likely to make the Liga MX playoffs for the second time in franchise history until ties against last-place Querétaro and FC Juárez was followed up by a loss to América.

17. UNAM (1-6-4, 9 points)

The Pumas had high hopes entering the season but a 6-0 blow-out loss to Barcelona (the Joan Gamper Trophy match) seemed to burst their bubble and they’ve gone 0-1-4 since while conceding 15 goals.

18. Querétaro (1-4-7, 7 points)

The Gallos Blancos are simply the worst team in Liga MX. That’s to be expected from a team that has been forced onto the auction block (league officials mandated the sale as punishment for the riot that occurred at Estadio Corregidora on March 5).