With Pumas in a funk, Xolos arrive at CU at opportune time
The Clausura 2019 has been a season to forget for the Pumas who seem certain to miss out on the playoffs.
The Pumas host the Xolos of Tijuana in a Matchday 14 contest in which the visitors will be expected to pick up points. In their last five games, the UNAM has one win, one draw and three losses, basically knocking them out of the playoff race.
Through 13 games, the Pumas find themselves in 15th place with 13 points (from a 3-4-6 record). They need a miracle to qualify for the Liguilla, basically praying that all the teams above them lose while they win all four of their remaining games and build up a strong goal differential. They’ll have to start with the Xolos, currently in 6th place, and the Pumas will be without their coach Bruno Marioni (pictured at top), suspended two matches for getting into a fracas with a fan after a Copa MX game in Cd. Juárez.
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UNAM managment is advised to start planning for the Apertura 2019 and deciding how best to restructure the roster.
The Xolos come to Mexico City after an unexpected but weird win against the defending champs last weekend. Tijuana twice came from behind to tie América before getting the winner in minute 76. However, the game was marred by questionable officiating and a seemingly never-ending parade to the video monitor to review a call.
The Xolos nabbed a win they desperately needed, lifting them to 22 points (7-1-5), even with América and Cruz Azul. Since those two teams play each other Sunday, Tijuana knows that it can climb up into at least 5th place with only three games remaining. And if the Xolos win at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario then Aguilas-Cementeros ends in a tie, the Xolos will find themselves in 4th place come Monday morning.
Prediction
The Xolos will not have It easy (visiting teams rarely do at the CU) but the Pumas are in the dumps right now. If Xolos do not let their guard down, they should be able to take advantage of the turmoil at Pumas. Even so, don’t think for a second that UNAM will go down without a fight.