Paco Palencia has underdog Lobos BUAP moving upward

Halfway through the Liga MX season, there is still considerable movement in the middle of the Power Rankings.

The biggest climbers in the Matchday 9 Power Rankings was the modest Lobos BUAP team that delighted their home fans by defeating the Pumas. Coach Paco Palencia deserves serious consideration for Coach of the Year.

Headed in the other direction are the Pumas, Chivas and Atlas. Without further ado, here are this week’s Viva Liga Mx Power Rankings.

1. León (-)

The Esmeraldas have been averaging 3 goals a game during their 6-game winning streak and they boast the league’s stingiest defense.

2. Tigres (-)

A beneficiary of two own-goals by Pachuca defender Stiven Barreiro, but the Tigres dominated the match. They’ll be tested this week. A trip to Houston in the Concacaf Champions League followed by a visit to cross-town rivals Monterrey.

3. Monterrey (-)

The Rayados took an early lead against the Chivas then sat back and absorbed pressure. Not a great performance, but rather efficient. Better yet, it was their second straight shut-out.

4. Tijuana (+3)

The Xolos are not playing spectacular football, but their game is solid and disciplined. Coach Oscar Pareja has his team playing smart soccer.

5. América (-1)

The Aguilas are on a 5-games-in-15-days gauntlet and did not look too impressive in getting a late draw against lowly Morelia.

6. Pachuca (-1)

Giving up two own goals to fall behind 2-0 in minute 32 was a bucket of cold water for the Tuzos. They will be tested by Tijuana this weekend.

7. Santos (-1)

The Guerreros appeared to be ready to make a statement after easily moving into the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals, but León gave them a dose of reality.

8. Lobos BUAP (+5)

Perhaps the surprise of the season. Coach Francisco Palencia has his team playing good football and they scored an insurance goal against the Pumas despite playing a man down. Sweet revenge for Paco who was fired by UNAM in 2017.

9. Cruz Azul (+3)

The Cementeros didn’t so much earn their bump up three spots as several teams deserved demotion. Still, a win is a win for embattled coach Pedro Caixinha.

10. Guadalajara (-2)

Somehow this team is in 5th place despite two bad losses in a row. The Chivas face last-place Querétaro next, but then have two straight matches against América. They better improve fast.

11. Puebla (-)

The Camoteros play a gritty, never-say-die style that keeps them in games. Let’s hope goalie Nicolás Vikonis is back in action soon.

12. Necaxa (+2)

Rayos fans are watching their team’s promising start go in the dust bin. Necaxa plays América tonight (their Matchday 1 game was postponed) and desperately need to turn around their fortunes.

13. UNAM (-4)

The Pumas have collapsed after a momentary surge once coach Bruno Marioni took over. Last year’s surprise run to a third-place finish is a distant memory.

14. Atlas (-4)

The Zorros are headed back toward the bottom of the table after a promising start and struggling to score goals again.

15. Morelia (+2)

The Monarcas put on a tremendous show against América but then screwed-up what could have been a season-changing win by failing to communicate on defense.

16. Toluca (+1)

The Diablos finally scored a goal and have a new coach in Ricardo La Volpe. Will “El Bigoton” be able to turn their season around?

17. Querétaro (-1)

The magic of new coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich only lasted one week as the Gallos Blancos reverted to form in their 1-0 loss to Puebla on Monday night.

18. Veracruz (-3)

The Tiburones had a chance to move up, but looked awful against a badly slumping Toluca team.

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Paco Palencia has his Lobos BUAP moving upward

By Thomas Buckley | Mar 5, 2019