The mercurial Gallos Blancos need a miracle to make the playoffs and their first task is to defeat the woebegone Rayos of Necaxa in a match that kicks off the Saturday Liga MX schedule.
Querétaro’s playoff hopes received a blow when the Gallos Blancos managed only a tie against lowly Veracruz their last time out. This came only one week after their stunning victory over Santos, the reigning Liga MX champs.
With Morelia’s loss to Cruz Azul Friday night, one part of the “miracle” has played out and the Gallos Blancos are again back in the playoff picture. Now, they must defeat Necaxa and hope Pachuca does not win against León. Another far-fetched route to the Liguilla is a big win over Necaxa and a big loss for Toluca who plays Lobos. This would require a 9-goal swing because of Querétaro’s -2 goal differential.
After a promising start to the season, Necaxa is in a 1-5-7 slump, a nosedive that cost coach Marcelo Michel his job. Management has signed Robert Siboldi – he coached Santos to the title last season – and he will take over to start the Clausura 2019 season. The Rayos need an overhaul but it is unlikely that big changes can be made before Jan. 5 and the current roster has been playing without much spirit for a month now. That is unlikely to change against Querétaro.
Last match
Querétaro: 2-2 draw at Veracruz
The Gallos Blancos were in prime position to sneak into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed heading into Matchday 16 against the porous Veracruz defense. But the Gallos laid an egg. The Tiburones went up 2-0 in the first half and Querétaro could not find a way to beat rookie goalie Sebastián Jurado. Alexis Pérez pulled a goal back in minute 55 and Querétaro got off 20 shots, but only 5 were on net. Defender Hiram Mier tied the game in injury time and the point earned kept them alive heading into Matchday 17 … but just barely.
Necaxa: 1-1 draw vs Monterrey
The bumbling Rayos actually showed some life against the Rayados, despite falling behind at the 10-minute mark. In their final home game of the season, the Rayos put up a fight, finally knotting the score on a Felipe Gallegos goal in minute 71. In part, Monterrey kept Necaxa in the match by sitting back and ceding possession, but the Rayos were patient – almost too patient, managing only 13 shots (3 on goal) despite enjoying 61% possession.
Possible line-ups
Querétaro: 4-2-3-1
Volpi
Corral – Mier – Novaretti – Pérez
Gómez – Guemez
Villalva – Ruiz – Cortizo
Sanvezzo
The Gallos Blancos will look to score early and pressure Necaxa in midfield. It’s possible they could switch to a 4-1-3-2 with creative midfielder Carlos Esquivel coming on in place of Jaime Gómez and Daniel Villalva moving forward. The Rayos field the third-worst defense in Liga MX and Querétaro must score since they have such a poor goal differential.
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Necaxa: 4-4-2
González
Beckeles – Pérez – Alvarado – Mayorga
Córdova – M. Fernández – Villalpando – Gallegos
B. Fernández – Dávila
I suppose it is possible that interim manager Jorge Martínez sends out a younger, more experimental line-up to help the front office make roster decisions ahead of Clausura 2019, but a win is more important. Winger Facundo Castro and forwards Claudio Riaño and Martín Barragan will be ready to sub in if goals are needed. No doubt, coach Siboldi will be watching and evaluating.
Key players
Querétaro: Midfielder Marcel Ruiz has been a revelation. He just turned 18 last month but plays with a calm demeanor and is surprisingly strong on the ball. If he can hook up with Camilo Sanvezzo and exploit Necaxa’s weak central defense, the Gallos Blancos could get the win they need.
Necaxa: Striker Víctor Dávila started the season looking like a “goleador” but grew impatient with coach Michel’s motion offense and often went solo, or fired wildly from long range. He can use this game to show coach Siboldi that he can be a centerpiece for the Rayos next season.
Prediction
No way the Gallos Blancos can bungle a second chance to stake their claim to a spot in the Liguilla, right? Goalie Tiago Volpi is among the league’s very best and I don’t see him giving up any cheapies. Camilo Sanvezzo has not scored since Oct. 20; he is due. Necaxa is 0-1-6 on the road (8 goals for, 18 goals against) and I don’t see the Rayos bucking this trend.