Liga MX Power Rankings: Ameríca returns to top spot
América celebrated its 105th anniversary this week so perhaps it’s appropriate that they return to No. 1 in the Playing for 90 Power Rankings. OK, that doesn’t make any sense, especially coming from a Necaxa fan who would like nothing better than to see the Aguilas fall on their collective faces.
But that’s neither here nor there, and América currently does indeed sit atop the Liga MX table with five matchdays remaining, after last week’s No. 1 – Monterrey – looked downright lousy in losing to FC Juárez. The Aguilas, meanwhile, imposed their will on UNAM and walked away with a 2-0 win in the “Clásico Capitalino.”
In the Guadalajara derby, No. 2 Atlas coasted past the slumping Chivas by the slimmest of margins (1-0) despite playing with a 2-man advantage for more than 60 minutes. A more convincing win by the Zorros and they might have merited consideration for the top spot.
The Liga MX is heading into the home stretch coming off the October FIFA break (a circumstance bound to affect those teams with players participating in World Cup qualifiers in North and South America) so the time to make a playoff push is now.
Liga MX Power Rankings after Matchday 12
There wasn’t much movement either up or down and it is still difficult to separate the pretenders from the contenders. In fact, mediocrity would have to be the watchword through the first dozen matchdays.
Teams will have to shelve the excuses – though fatigue is a legitimate, and persistent, one for teams with players on international duty – and simply put up or shut up, starting this weekend. With that in mind, two Matchday 13 contests could go a long way in determining playoff seeding (and Power Rankings slots): León at Monterrey and Tigres at Cruz Azul. Both are must-see TV.
And so, without further ado, here are the latest Liga MX Power Rankings. And remember, the figure in parentheses after the team name reflects that club’s movement compared to the previous rankings.
1. América (+1)
The Aguilas ended a 3-game winless streak with their convincing win over the Pumas. They can’t afford to look past Atlético de San Luis this weekend, because their schedule down the stretch is among the toughest in Liga MX.
2. Atlas (+1)
The Zorros boast the stingiest defense in Liga MX (5 goals allowed in 12 games), but coach Diego Cocca knows his team must improve on offense to contend for the trophy. At the same time, the front office has allowed Cocca’s contract situation to become a potential distraction.
3. Monterrey (–2)
The Rayados were caught napping by a desperate FC Juárez side last time out and the Bravos handed them a decisive loss that could cost Monterrey a first-round playoff bye.
4. Toluca (—)
The Diablos Rojos have not won since handing América its only loss of the season back on Matchday 9. Coach Hernán Cristante must stop the bleeding to salvage a promising season. A visit to a Chivas team in disarray could be just what the doctor ordered.