Rayados hold off feisty Toluca; Chivas avoid embarrassing loss

Arturo González scored twice to lead Monterrey to a quality win over Toluca to bring the curtain down on Matchday 5 in Liga MX. The 2-1 victory lifts the Rayados back even with holders Pachuca atop the table at 12 points, behind on goal differential, and 1 point clear of crosstown rivals Tigres.

The two Monterrey powerhouses boast deep and talented rosters that have made them clear-cut favorites in the Liga MX title chase, but the champs are demonstrating they don’t intend to relinquish the crown without a fight.

Elsewhere Sunday, the Pumas had to settle for a 2-2 draw against visiting Atlas after Zorros keeper Camilo Vargas blocked a Juan Dinenno penalty shot in minute 66 before Julián Quiñones netted the equalizer in minute 87.

In Guadalajara, the Chivas rescued a point against lowly Querétaro when fullback Alejandro Mayorga headed home from close range I minute 90+2 to claim a 1-1 draw and avoid an embarrassing home loss to the Gallos Blancos.

Liga MX news and notes

The Liga MX coaching carousel could be spinning again soon as reports emanating from the Cruz Azul camp indicate that Raúl Gutiérrez’s days are numbered as “La Máquina” remains winless after four games (0-1-3).

Sports daily Record published an article suggesting former Cementeros great Francisco Palencia is being wooed to return to La Noria.

Over at América, Henry Martín is being lauded after moving into a tie for 11th on the Aguilas all-time scoring list. Henry converted a penalty kick against Santos Laguna on Saturday night for his 74th goal with “Los AzulCremas,” tying Oribe Peralta. The striker now needs two goals to tie Gonzalo Farfán and join the club’s all-time top 10.

On the flip side, Aguilas fans are holding their breath over the status of influential winger Alejandro Zendejas who went down with a hamstring injury Saturday night. Medics have confirmed it is a tear but more tests have to be conducted before they’ll know how much time he’ll miss.

América is also waiting for an update on midfielder Richard Sánchez who appeared to tweak a knee in the same game.

Staying in Mexico City, we have Pumas news as well. When Juan Ignacio Dinenno scored his 4th goal of the season on Sunday, he moved into a tie for 10th place on UNAM’s all-time goal-scoring list. The Argentine striker now has 50 goals for “Los Auriazules.”

And finally, on Saturday night, Diego Lainez made his Liga MX return after four non-descript years in Europe. The 22-year-old left América in January 2019 for Real Betis but never managed to establish himself with the LaLiga club. His failure to earn minutes this past year cost him a spot with El Tri in Qatar.

After Betis made it known to Lainez that they were not interested in keeping him on the roster (he had been out on loan with Braga but the Portuguese club terminated the deal last month), Tigres shelled some big money to bring the shifty playmaker back home.

Lainez was reluctant to return to Liga MX but had no better offers, so there he was in Estadio Azteca coming on as a sub in minute 54. The kid showed he still has plenty to offer (good news for El Tri fans), almost scoring after a nifty move to elude two Cruz Azul defenders.