Fansided

Xolos pay the price for overlooking the Gallos Blancos

By Thomas Buckley

QUERETARO, MEXICO - MARCH 30: Fabian Castillo of Tijuana gestures during the 12th round match between Queretaro and Tijuana as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at La Corregidora Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Queretaro, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
QUERETARO, MEXICO - MARCH 30: Fabian Castillo of Tijuana gestures during the 12th round match between Queretaro and Tijuana as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at La Corregidora Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Queretaro, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Tijuana was the biggest loser in the top half of our rankings, while Lobos BUAP plummeted 4 spots after laying an egg at home in the Puebla derby.

There was not much movement at the top of the Viva Liga MX Power Rankings as León extended its lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 comeback win at Morelia. The Xolos of Tijuana were punished after their shock loss to Querétaro, falling from 6th to 9th.

No. 2 América switched spots with the No. 3 Tigres after the Aguilas dismantled Tuca Ferretti’s squad, but we believe the imminent return of André-Pierre Gignac will allow the northern powerhouse to contend for the title.

There was considerable shuffling of teams in the lower half of the rankings and the Lobos were the biggest loser, sinking 4 spots after failing to show up in the Puebla derby. Atlas and Querétaro each climbed 3 spots after upset wins at home, while the Chivas sank into 17th place with another dismal performance.

Without further ado, here are the Matchday 12 Power Rankings:

1. León (-)

Down 2-0 only 11 minutes into their match against Morelia, the Esmeraldas showed grit and determination, characteristics that will be useful in the playoffs. MVP candidate Angel Mena scored twice and León now has a 9-game winning streak.

2. América (+1)

The Aguilas defense was dominant against the Tigres, but the club will need to be more consistent – especially on offense – to defend its title.

3. Tigres (-1)

The absence of André-Pierre Gignac was noticeable and the Tigress desperately need him back – healthy – before the playoffs.

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4. Monterrey (-)

The failure to hold late leads is becoming quite annoying for coach Diego Alonso.

5. Cruz Azul (-)

I might have moved the Cementeros ahead of Monterrey, but the season-ending injury to Javier Salas – just as he was winning coach Caixinha’s confidence – could hurt Cruz Azul down the stretch.

6. Pachuca (+2)

The Tuzos would be ranking in the top 3 if they were allowed to play all their games at home.

7. Necaxa (-)

The Rayos finally won another home game – their only other win at Estadio Victoria was in Matchday 2 against UNAM. They’ll get a chance to test their road prowess at León this weekend.

8. Puebla (+2)

Coach José Luis Sánchez Solá has not lost since taking charge following Matchday 4 and the Camoteros have a realistic shot of reaching the playoffs.

9. Tijuana (-3)

Were the Xolos looking ahead to next week’s match against América? Coach Oscar Pareja sure didn’t have his team paying much attention to Querétaro. An embarrassing loss.

10. Santos (+1)

The Guerreros – 0-3-1 in their last 4 games – have lost traction in the league despite reaching the final four of the Concacaf Champions League.

11. Toluca (-2)

A decent showing in Pachuca where the Tuzos have been rampant, but the Diablos could not get the equalizer despite playing with a man advantage the final 10 minutes.

12. UNAM (+1)

Will the win over the Chivas jump-start a late-season playoff push? Not likely, but a win at the Tigres on Saturday would keep hopes alive.

Xolos sink in Power Rankings
Alan Mozo and Carlos González celebrate after González gave the Pumas a 1-0 lead. (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

13. Atlas (+3)

It’s not that the Zorros showed much improvement in their 1-0 win over Santos, but other teams proved to be heading south.

14. Morelia (-)

The failure to hold onto a 2-0 lead at home is tough to swallow, even if it was league-leading León that ruined their party.

15. Querétaro (+3)

Coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich still has the Midas touch, but there is plenty of work to do ahead of next season.

16. Lobos BUAP (-4)

A disastrous showing at home against Puebla in which the Lobos scored into their net as many times as did the Camoteros in the 4-0 rout.

17. Guadalajara (-2)

The Chivas are in complete disarray and management is doing its level-best to make José Cardozo the scapegoat. He’s gone, but the roster mess remains.

18. Veracruz (-)

The already-relegated Tiburones are the league’s only winless team and have only 4 goals in 12 matches. Awful.

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