León holds fast to top spot, but América is narrowing the gap

León remains on top, Necaxa is the biggest riser and Pachuca fell 4 spots.

Top-ranked León is on the verge of tying a league record for most consecutive wins and boasts the most-balanced squad in Liga MX. They have been atop the Viva Liga MX Power Rankings for 4 weeks now.

Necaxa is this week’s biggest riser (up 3 spots) after yet another impressive road win, while América seems like it is ready to defend its title while also poised to claim the Cup and shoot for a double this season.

Pachuca continues to yo-yo in the Rankings because it plays like a giant at home and looks completely lost on the road.

Without further ado, here are our Power Rankings:

1. León (-)

The Esmeraldas have the best offense by 2 goals and the best defense by 2 goals, and 14 teams have scored fewer goals than León’s goal differential (+19). Their 8-game winning streak is one behind the league record (Cruz Azul won 9 in a row in 1972).

2. Tigres (-)

Star striker André-Pierre Gignac was held out again but the Tigres still scored 4 against Querétaro. Gignac is expected back after the FIFA break.

3. América (+2)

If the Aguilas are motivated, they should be favored in each of their remaining games. América hosts the Tigres on Matchday 12. Don’t miss that game!

América dominated the Chivas in both Super Clasicos last week. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

4. Monterrey (-1)

The Rayados finally lost this season, but they have not looked sharp in nearly a month. Monterrey has scored 3 goals in their past 4 games after scoring 20 in their first 8.

5. Cruz Azul (+1)

The Cementeros seem to have found their mojo after coach Pedro Caixinha inserted Yoshimar Yotún into the line-up in midfield alongside Orbelín Pineda.

6. Tijuana (+1)

The Xolos blanked Monterrey, allowing the Rayados possession but giving them very few good looks on goal. If they can get their offense going, they will be dangerous in the playoffs.

7. Necaxa (+3)

A huge road win at Santos earns the Rayos the biggest leap up the Power Rankings. If they can learn to win at home, they could sneak into the playoffs.

8. Pachuca (-4)

Another road game, another rout. The Tuzos are atrocious away from home. With only 3 home games remaining, Pachuca must steal some points on the road to make the playoffs.

9. Toluca (+2)

New coach Ricardo La Volpe is giving Diablos fans hope and the 2-0 home victory on Sunday could signal a turnaround for the once-hopeless Red Devils.

10. Puebla (+2)

The Camoteros just refuse to go away and Friday’s win over UNAM keeps them in the playoff hunt.

11. Santos (-3)

A mini-slump for the Guerreros has them sliding down the standings. Santos will benefit from the FIFA break, but will have to focus on the Concacaf Champions League semifinals too.

12. Lobos BUAP (-3)

The loss of leading scorer Leo Ramos has badly hurt the Lobos offense and it showed against Morelia on Friday night.

13. UNAM (-)

Since beating América on Matchday 7, the Pumas have gone 0-1-3 and might have to give up on the Liguilla and chase the Copa MX where they are in the semifinals.

14. Morelia (+2)

The Monarcas climbed two spots exclusively because of the poor form of the two Guadalajara teams.

15. Guadalajara (-1)

The Chivas are in crisis mode and coach José Cardozo’s seat has suddenly gotten very hot after losing two straight Super Clásicos in a four-day period..

16. Atlas (-1)

The Zorros have lost 5 consecutive games getting outscored 2-13 in the process.

18. Querétaro (-)

Yes, I know … there we skipped No. 17 in the Rankings, but the Gallos Blancos and the Tiburones are battling for worst team in the league (though Atlas is mounting a challenge).

18. Veracruz (-)

See above. By the way, the Tiburones set a record for achieving relegation in the fewest games.

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León holds fast to top spot, América narrowing the gap

By Thomas Buckley | Mar 18, 2019