The Clausura 2017 of the Liga MX was inaugurated last week in games which gave fans several exciting matches like the win of Chivas over Pumas, or victories by relegation candidates Veracruz and Monarcas Morelia. Week 2 of the season will begin this Friday with the Xolos of Tijuana vs Puebla in the always difficult to-visit Estadio Caliente. Three noteworthy and must-watch games include Chivas’ visit to Monterrey, the Mexico City derby between Pumas and Cruz Azul, and the Club America vs Toluca where Rubens Sambueza may face his old team in his debut with the ‘choriceros’.
Next, a short preview and TV Schedule of all Liga MX Week 2 matches:
1 Friday, 1/13 Matches:
Tijuana Xolos vs Puebla FC – 7pm (Pacific) – Azteca America
Xolos return to the border after its Week 1 loss to Morelia. The Estadio Caliente was a huge fortress for them last season and they will hope to continue that run this year starting with a win over Puebla. The visitors twice gave up the lead at home and suffered a frustrating loss at home to Monterrey.
2 Saturday, 1/14 Matches:
Club Queretaro vs Monarcas Morelia – 3 PM (Pacific) – Univision Deportes Network
Morelia, last place in the percentage relegation table faces Club Queretaro who is only four slots above them. Queretaro will have a scenes of urgency since it lost during Week 1 to another relegation team, Veracruz while Morelia will be motivated to face a relegation opponent after having picked up three points during Week 1.
CF Monterrey vs Chivas – 5 PM (Pacific) – Univision Deportes Network
This will be an early test to both teams to see just how good they are. Both Chivas and Monterrey picked up solid wins during Week 1 and both are heavy favorites to make the playoffs and a run at the title.
Atlas FC vs Tigres UANL – 5 PM (Pacific) – Azteca America
Atlas will look to recover from the severe beat down they received away to Toluca against the reigning Liga MX champions Tigres UANL. Tigres fielded mostly a reserve squad during Week 1’s 0-0- draw at home to Santos in order to give its stars some rest.
Pachuca vs Chiapas FC – 5:06 PM (Pacific) – NBC Universo
Led by star youngster Hirving Lozano, Pachuca produced an epic come from behind win away to Club Leon during Week 1 and now will look to continue the momentum at home against Chiapas. The visitors have yet to debut in the season since its Week 1 ,at home against Club America was postponed.
Club Necaxa vs Club Leon – 7 PM (Pacific) – Univision Deportes Network
Two of last season’s semifinals face each other wanting to recover from Week 1 losses. Both teams have high hopes of returning to the playoffs and can not afford to drop too many points in the early stages.
3 Sunday, 1/15 Matches:
Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul – 10 AM (Pacific) – Univision / Univision Deportes Network
An early season Mexico City derby is in the cards for Week 2. Both teams looked solid during Week 1 but not great. Cruz Azul managed a 1-0 win at home over Necaxa while Pumas lost 2-1 away to Chivas. Both teams know they can produce much more and will be motivated to show it on the field.
Toluca FC vs Club America – 2 PM (Pacific) – Univision Deportes Network
Club America makes it 2017 Clausura debut after having lost the league final on Christmas Day. Toluca got its Centennial Year off to a good start with a big 4-1 win over Atlas and will now look to show America how a Centennial Year is supposed to be played.
Club Santos vs Veracruz – 4 PM (Pacific) – Univision Deportes Network
Santos earned a difficult point on the road in the home of the champions, Tigres and will now have its sights set on collecting all three points when Veracruz comes to town. The visitors are fresh off an important win against a fellow relegation opponent during Week 1 and will be motivated to keep the positive momentum going.
Featured Writer: Jonny Rico
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