The Liga MX is one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world. Week 3 of the competition proved to be no different as shocking defeats by Pachuca and Toluca and a tremendous victory by Tigres UANL made a huge shift within the Power Rankings. The Liga MX is so unpredictable that we could be seeing relegation candidates reach playoffs by the time the season wraps up. Here are the Power Rankings for Week 3 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017.
3 Liga MX Week 2 Power Rankings (Teams #18 to 13):
18. Puebla (+-0)
After conceding nine goals in two weeks, Puebla did not concede any this week against Queretaro, but still did not earn a victory in a lackluster 0-0 draw. The ‘camoteros’ could be in big trouble if they continue with this form.
17. Queretaro (-2)
If it were not for Tiago Volpi, the ‘gallos blancos’ would be bottom of the table and bottom of this list. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been the most outstanding player on Queretaro as Manuel Vucetich’s men still have not found a way to score after three weeks.
16. Club America (-2)
The ‘aguilas’ are bottom of the table and are coming off a shocking 4-2 loss to Tigres UANL. Ricardo La Volpe’s men have conceded six goals in this tournament and seem to be missing the presence of Rubens Sambueza and Osvaldo Martinez in their midfield.
15. Atlas(-8)
I still cannot figure out how the same team that lost to Toluca 4-1, and lost to Veracruz this week managed to defeat Tigres UANL. That win in the Estadio Jalisco was truly a miracle for Jose Cruz’s men. The ‘rojinegros’ have looked abysmal in their defeats and that “miracle win” does not save them from being near the bottom of this list.
14. Necaxa (+3)
The ‘rayos’ looked impressive in their 1-0 victory over Pachuca this week. Alfonso Sosa’s men have only scored one goal in this tournament, but their performance this week does deserve recognition.
13.Leon (-4)
Club Leon have looked impressive all tournament, even with their two defeats Javier Torrente’s squad looks to have a chance at playoffs. ‘La fiera’ really beat themselves in Week 3 as Mauro Boselli and Carlos Pena missed sitters in front of net against Pumas UNAM.
2 Liga MX Week 2 Power Rankings (Teams #12 to 7):
12. Santos Laguna (-6)
The ‘guerreros’ have looked decent to start-off this Clausura 2017, but have not faced a true task up to this point. Santos played Tigres’ B squad in Week 1, then faced relegation sides back to back in Veracruz and Monarcas Morelia. Their recent draw against Monarcas did not help their case for being higher up on the list.
11. Monarcas Morelia (+-0)
Pablo Marini is doing much better than expected leading the charge at Monarcas Morelia, five points in three weeks is nothing to cry about for the side facing relegation. Their win over Club Tijuana has to be their biggest merit this season, but Tiago Volpi also disallowed them from taking three points away from Queretaro in Week 2.
10. Monterrey (-5)
While Antonio Mohamed’s offense is brilliant, his defense is really a problem as it cost Monterrey the win over Cruz Azul this week. An own goal by Argentine defender, Nicolas Sanchez proved to be the miscue which left the ‘rayados’ coming home with only one point from the Estadio Azul.
9.Chivas (+1)
The ‘rojiblancos’ dominated Club Tijuana in Saturday night’s game, but came away with nothing to show for it, besides a 1-0 defeat. Matias Almeyda seems to be leading Chivas in the right direction, the players just need to finish their opportunities and not lose control of games.
8. Cruz Azul(+-0)
This is a completely distinct Cruz Azul team than the one that was seen in the Apertura 2016. The leadership of Paco Jemez is really motivating ‘la maquina’ to eventually reach their full potential. Cruz Azul is playing with heart and they show it every time they step on the pitch. The only thing that Cruz Azul now needs is definition; if the offense can be more clinical, this team could go a long way.
7. Veracruz (+5)
The ‘tiburones’ defense has been among the most impressive of this Clausura 2017. Antonio Briseño has finally found good rhythm, and Leobardo Lopez now has two goals in three jornadas. This new reinforced Veracruz team may shock some people in this tournament.
1 Liga MX Week 2 Power Rankings (Teams #6 to 1):
6. Chiapas (+10)
Laugh all you want, but Jaguares of Chiapas has been one of the most impressive teams in this Clausura 2017. Sergio Bueno’s men have faced two of the toughest teams in the Liga MX in Pachuca and Toluca and have looked impressive. The felines were far superior to Toluca this week and played as a unit to get the well-deserved 1-0 victory. Moises Munoz looks to be in the form of his life and the players look motivated to stay in the top flight of Mexican football.
5. Pachuca (-3)
The ‘tuzos’ have looked off-form these last couple of weeks after a stunning 4-2 victory over Club Leon in Week 1. Their victory over Chiapas in Week 2 was not impressive and their lost to Necaxa was pitiful with few scoring opportunities.
4. Club Tijuana (+-0)
The ‘super lideres’ after three weeks of play have accumulated seven goals and six points. Miguel Herrera’s squad is not higher up on the list because they did not play well in their win against Chivas. Guadalajara dominated Tijuana, but Xolos did prove that they can handle a tough opponent after facing Morelia and Puebla in the first two jornadas.
3. Pumas UNAM (+-0)
Pumas has played exceptional up to this point of the season, their defense still has been their most impressive component, keeping yet another clean sheet this week. Their overall performance against Leon was not overpowering but Paco Palencia’s squad continues to play good football.
2. Toluca
The ‘diablos’ loss to Chiapas really hurt their overall performance up to this point of the season as Hernan Cristante’s squad was dominated by the felines. Still, Toluca’s victories up to this point cannot be ignored as they were huge against Atlas and Club America.
1.Tigres UANL
The current champions are back on top after an amazing 4-2 win over Club America. The felines really showed their potential in this match with four gems as goals by Lucas Zelayaran and Ismael Sosa at the expense of their countryman, Agustin Marchesin. Apart from that, Tuca’s players also slightly missed a few key opportunities. This match could have been a lot more dreadful to Club America than it already was.
