Reloaded on offense, defending champs look tough to beat
Though there are plenty of surprises in the Liga MX table, our Power Rankings feature familiar faces at the top.
The defending champs – Club América – are just two points out of first place with a game in hand and their only loss was a controversial road loss to Monterrey.
The transfer window closed last week with a flurry of activity so this month could see some teams evolve into threats to reach the playoffs. Already, three coaches have been fired, the latest being Puebla’s Enrique “Ojitos” Meza.
Without further ado, here are our Power Rankings through Matchday 5:
1. America
Until someone knocks the crown off their head … And two late-arriving transfers – Nico Castillo and Nicolás Benedetti – give coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera even more attacking options.
2. Monterrey
Two late-game goals are all that separate the Rayados from a perfect 5-0-0 record. This team is loaded and just added El Tri fullback Miguel Layún to the mix.
3. Tigres
This time last season, Tuca’s team was on a 3-game losing streak. They should contend for the top spot this time around.
4. Leon
Nacho Ambriz has his guys playing rather well (No. 2 in the league in goals scored) and the addition of Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell should help cover for the loss to injury of Rubens Sambueza.
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5. Santos
Struggling to overcome the loss of Jona Rodríguez, Julio Furch’s strike partner, but the defense remains a force to be reckoned with.
6. Cruz Azul
This might be a little high for the Cementeros. They are wracked by injury, the sudden departure of midfield bulldog Iván Marcone and a flaccid offense. Pedro Caixinha is on the hot seat.
7. Necaxa
A pleasant surprise at No. 2 in the standings with a game in hand, but the Rayos must still prove they belong in the playoff discussion. They did look strong against Puebla, winning 4-1 on the road after going down a goal at the 8-minute mark..
8. Atlas
The Zorros have 10 goals through 5 games. Last season, they didn’t score their 11th goal until minute 88 of their season-ending loss to Monterrey.
9. Chivas
Their past two games give coach José Cardozo plenty to worry about, especially on the offensive end where Alexis Vega has yet to score his debut goal with the club. As a team, the Chivas have not scored since Alan Pulido netted in minute 57 of their Matchday 3 win over Toluca.
10. Toluca
Three straight shut-out losses for the Choriceros had club management assuring reporters that coach H
ernán Cristante’s job is secure. The kiss of death for the legendary Diablos goalie?
11.Pachuca
The Tuzos are still trying to grasp new coach Martín Palermo’s game plan. He’s only been on the job two weeks and his players were underperforming before he got there.
12. Lobos
Paco Palencia has the upstart Lobos playing solid soccer. They’ll test their mettle this weekend with a visit to Monterrey to take on the league-leading Rayados.
13. Pumas
The front office is a mess and things aren’t so much better down on the field. New coach Bruno Marioni just took over and he’ll have to rely on academy players to rescue the season.
14. Tijuana
The Xolos still struggle to score (only 13 goals in 17 games last season and 3 in 5 games so far this season). Will Ariel Nahuelpan settle in alongside Gustavo Bou and form a strike partnership?
15. Morelia
A real disappointing start for the Monarcas. Is coach Roberto Hernández fighting for his job? A visit to Pachuca is their next test.
16. Puebla
The Camoteros will likely play their Copa match against Tampico Madero with an interim coach after Enrique Meza was dismissed following the 4-1 home loss to Necaxa on Friday. Perhaps “Chelis” will be given another shot?
17. Veracruz
The Tiburones have not scored a goal this season, but they have managed to earn points thanks to two scoreless draws, including Monday vs the Chivas as young goalie Sebastián Jurado sparkled between the pipes.
18. Queretaro
A disaster! Five losses to start the season with a -11 goal differential. A decline was inevitable after the loss of keeper Tiago Volpi and Hiram Mier, the team’s best defender. But where is the offense?