Week 6 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017 contained some surprising results which affected this edition of the power rankings. Tigres UANL and Club America continue to get unfavorable results which is now worrying at this stage of the competition, and relegation candidates had some important results.
1 Liga MX Week 6 Power Rankings Teams #18-9
18. Puebla
Puebla achieved a favorable 0-0 draw against Club America at the Estadio Azteca, but the ‘camoteros’ are still in last place with no victories so far. Jose Cardozo has made an impact as the team looks better defensively, utilizing a rougher style of play, but the team is still a work in progress.
17. Leon
The ‘esmeraldas’ have been struggling this season under, Javier Torrente as they have only managed to get four points in this competition. A tough 4-2 loss to the Xolos and now a shocking 2-1 loss to Queretaro now locates them in penultimate place in the Liga MX and in the power rankings.
16. Monarcas Morelia
‘La Monarquia’ looked slightly different under interim coach, Roberto Hernandez, but not much as they barely won 2-1 against Chiapas. A poorly executed penalty by Christian Bermudez saved Morelia from coming away with a point from an important relegation match.
15. Queretaro
The ‘gallos balncos’ have finally found a way to score with new manager, Jaime Lozano. Before his arrival, the team had not scored in this Clausura 2017, since then they have scored three goals in two games. Tiago Volpi is still the most impressive player on the team and will need to keep on performing for the team to find success.
14. Club America
The ‘aguilas’ are clearly now in a worrying state as in the week they fell 2-0 to Chiapas and only came away with a point facing Puebla at the Estadio Azteca. Only one point from two matches against teams fighting relegation is not good. Ricardo La Volpe could be on his way out, if he fails to get a favorable result next week against Chivas.
13. Atlas
Atlas seem like a mid-table team that will go nowhere this season. Jose Cruz’s men are coming from a tough 2-1 loss to rivals, Chivas at the Estadio Jalisco. The ‘zorros’ can deliver solid performances, but it seems like they have not been playing to their potential. Matias Alustiza has been a disappointing signing for Atlas, not adding much to the attack.
12. Veracruz
Carlos Reinoso has done a fine job with the ‘tiburones rojos’ gaining nine points in six matches. But the team has now lost two matches in a row, including an important game against Chiapas in week 5 of the competition. Angel Reyna continues to look solid for the team and it will be interesting to see how he does in weeks to come.
11. Cruz Azul
‘La maquina’ saw much of the same in their last match against Santos Laguna. The team performed well under Paco Jemez but could not get the favorable result. Cruz Azul have potential with new signings, Gabriel Peñalba, Martin Rodriguez and Angel Mena looking solid for the team. It is just a matter of whether the team will get the results on the pitch based on their performance.
10. Necaxa
The ‘rayos’ showed how effective their style of play can be, beating Club Tijuana 2-1 at the Estadio Caliente. Alfonso Sosa is a man with a plan, that will play intelligently to achieve the results and now with Edson Puch back in the lineup, Necaxa is on the right path.
9. Tigres UANL
Tigres keeps on getting unfavorable results in this Clausura as most recently the Felines lost 1-0 against Pachuca at the Estadio Universitario. Ricardo Ferretti is far from the hot seat, but having the roster that he has at his disposal, he must get results going forward in this tournament. Tigres is still among the top passing teams in the league and just must stay true to its playing style.
2 Liga MX Week 6 Power Rankings Teams #8-1
8. Chiapas
The relegation candidates have been the surprise of this Clausura 2017. Sergio Bueno’s side are coming from a tough 2-1 loss to Morelia, but have managed to beat Toluca, Tigres and America in this tournament. The organization does not have the best players and has been plagued by financial problems, but Sergio Bueno has found a way to get key victories. The relegation battle should be a spectacle going forward in this Clausura.
7. Monterrey
The ‘rayados’ are coming off a huge 2-0 win against Pumas UNAM, where Dorlan Pabon scored two goals. Antonio Mohamed displayed the potential his team has, beating one of the best teams in this Clausura, in Pumas. The team from Northern-Mexico should be a playoff team that has potential to do great things this tournament. Monterrey is on the right path as it is one of two teams who is yet to lose in this Clausura 2017.
6. Pachuca
The ‘tuzos’ are slowly getting the results and are coming from a strong 1-0 victory over Tigres at the Estadio Universitario. Diego Alonso’s side now finds themselves in third place of the Clausura and is an early candidate to battle for the title.
5. Chivas
The ‘rojiblancos’ are coming off a huge 2-1 victory over their rivals the ‘rojinegros’. The standout had to be Orbelin Pineda who looked fantastic, scoring a ball and controlling the midfield for Guadalajara. Matias Almeyda’s side looked excellent in the ‘calsico tapatio’ and it will be interesting to see how they fare next week in the ‘clasico’ against Club America.
4. Santos Laguna
Santos is coming from a hard-fought 2-2 draw to Cruz Azul at home, the ‘guerreros’ played well and should be a subtle candidate in the playoffs this tournament. Jose Manuel De La Torre is doing marvels with this team and it has been great to see younger players excelling with the club.
3. Pumas UNAM
Despite its 2-0 loss to Monterrey, Pumas is still one of the most balanced teams in this tournament, with a solid team all around. Paco Palencia’s men still played well in the loss and should find their rhythm when they are back at home next week.
2. Toluca
Toluca has been excelling in this tournament, now in first place with 13 points, after a 1-0 win over Veracruz. The midfield is still the most impressive component of this team with Rubens Sambueza leading the way, and Fernando Uribe has been excellent up top providing two goals and two assists. Hernan Cristante is on the right patch to making this teams centennial a memorable one.
1.Club Tijuana
The Xolos are coming from a tough 2-1 loss to Necaxa, where they really beat themselves not taking advantage of several opportunities. Miguel Herrera’s side still looked dominant in the loss and should be a force in jornadas to come, especially at the Estadio Caliente.
