Fansided

Triumphant Monterrey to put lowly Atlas to the sword

By Dan Chapman

MONTERREY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 24: Rogelio Funes Mori of Monterrey celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 17th round match between Monterrey and Atlas as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at BBVA Bancomer Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
MONTERREY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 24: Rogelio Funes Mori of Monterrey celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 17th round match between Monterrey and Atlas as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at BBVA Bancomer Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Monterrey could not be in a better mood as they visit Guadalajara Sunday to take on struggling Club Atlas.

A Monterrey still celebrating their fantastic Concacaf Champions League victory over crosstown rivals Tigres will be a daunting prospect for lowly Atlas who sit in 15th place in the standings.

Although not a terribly convincing win (a 2-1 aggregate scoreline), the Rayados and their fans will not care because in the end they were the ones who hoisted the trophy.

They drew at home in their league match against Necaxa on April 27 but that may be forgiven by the fans as the game was settled uncomfortably between both legs of the CCL final. However, their league form has been quite positive thanks to wins over last-place Veracruz and a sturdy Santos side before that.

With a playoff spot already secured and a CCL hangover, there is always a danger that the Rayados will have taken their foot off the pedal, giving Atlas half a chance to come away with a point. A poor result could see Monterrey slip from the third seed to the fifth seed, so the CCL champs have incentive to play well.

Last Game

Monterrey 2, Necaxa 2

Nestled in between the CCL finals, it can be easy to forgive Monterrey for not getting a win at home. After going behind early, the home side fought back to gain a decent draw against one of the league’s best road teams. Cesar Montes’ red card in the dying moments put a significant negative spin on this result as Monterrey will be without one of their main defenders this weekend. Youngsters Johan Vazquez and Adam Barreiro got the goals as coach Diego Alonso rested his starters for the second leg of the CCL final.

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Pachuca 1, Atlas 0

Atlas got behind the 8 ball from the outset as forward Andres Andrade was shown a red card in minute 7. Things got worse less than 25 minutes later as central defender Jorge Segura was also sent to the showers. Even so, the Zorros toughed it out and held together, holding the potent Tuzos to only 1 goal. suffered a red card this past weekend as Jorge Segura was sent off in the first half.

Key Players

Monterrey: Midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro continues to show his quality and looks to have recovered the great form he showed with the Chivas. He has had tremendous influence in the last few league games, as well as in the CCL finals. He should again be a center piece of the Rayados attack.

Atlas: Midfielder Juan Pablo Vigon could be key in this game as controlling the midfield is mandatory if the Zorros hope to end the season with a point against Monterrey. Stopping Monterrey’s attacking play by pressing them could be their best defense.

Prediction

Frankly all I see in this game is a Monterrey win. While it is possible that the players may be too relaxed after winning the CCL a few days ago as well as already securing a playoff spot, I believe that their positivity and good form will outclass Atlas. The Zorros have been poor and if it were not for Veracruz’s disaster, I’d have them down as the worst team in the league. They will have to play their best game of their season to get anything out of this game.

Atlas 0, Monterrey 3

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