Matchday 8: Table-topping Queretaro hosts Puebla
The league-leading Gallos Blancos host Puebla who is coming off their first win of the Apertura 2019.
Approaching the midway point of the Apertura 2019, Queretaro is the surprise leader of the tournament with 16 points from a 5-1-1 record. The Gallos Blancos moved into first place after crushing Veracruz 5-0 while Santos – tied with Queretaro, but behind on goal differential – fought Leon to a 2-2- draw.
The Gallos Blancos showed Veracruz no mercy, taking out their frustrations on the Tiburones after they were routed by Leon 4-0. The result was no surprise for coach Victor Manuel Vucetich’s team since Veracruz is the lone winless club in Liga MX and they have gone a world record 34 games without a win. Queretaro simply went about its business.
Los Gallos Blancos have scored 15 goals through 7 games, second-most (behind Santos who have 16), and have a very balanced offense. Four different players have 2 goals apiece, and several Gallos have shown capability of being real playmakers.
Forward Ake Arnaud Loba has made his presence felt up front, while veteran defender Jair Pereira – acquired from the Chivas over the summer – has been a linchpin at the back. Both of those players have two goals.
Playing in a new position, Jesus Escoboza has become very comfortable at left fullback while still demonstrating the skills he learned while playing winger. Captain Luis Romo has become the heart and soul of the team, while displaying emerging skills as a box-to-box midfielder though he was a central defender until this season. Both Escoboza and Romo have 2 goals for the Gallos Blancos.
Playing in front of their home fans at Estadio Corregidora, Queretaro will want to make up for the poor showing against Leon. Puebla should be an ideal team for them to do so.
Puebla is in 17th place with only 5 points, but they are coming off their first win of the tournament and have not lost since firing coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola. New coach Juan Reynoso was on the sidelines Thursday and he guided the Camoteros to a 2-1 win over FC Juarez. Puebla looked comfortable and seemed to find a style of play in which they were comfortable, so they’ll be eager to gather momentum. Queretaro will be their first big test.
Prediction
Queretaro will not want to lose again at home after the devastating loss to Leon, so they must avoid taking Puebla for granted. Both teams will be tired with this being their third game in eight days. Coach Vucetich will have the Gallos Blancos ready to play and he’ll make sure his team sticks to the game plan.