Week 9 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017 contained some entertaining matches and some important results that made an impact on the standings in the League. Most notably Chivas and Pachuca won their respective games to be the two top teams in the standings, Chivas in first and Pachuca coming in second only because of goal differential. Here are the Power Rankings for week 9 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017.
1 Power Rankings Teams # 18-9
18.Leon
The ‘esmeraldas’ are still struggling to accumulate points coming from a draw to Club America at home. Javier Torrente’s side is missing that push that the Argentine gave the team when he came in as manager in the Apertura 2016. The lack of motivation and performance is costing the team a spot in the playoffs this Clausura in 18th place with only six points.
17.Veracruz
Veracruz is coming off a very tough lost to another relegation candidate in Monarcas Morelia. The defeat now means that the ‘jarochos’ are in last on the relegation table with 105 points. The team does not lack motivation or spirit, and should still be able to make a strong fight against relegation.
16.Puebla
The ‘camoteros’ have improved massively since the arrival of Jose Cardozo as the manager. The Paraguayan skipper is coming from his first loss of the tournament, falling to Tigres UANL 2-0. Puebla did not have a bad game, getting the opportunities but not capitalizing on them. Jose Cardozo will look to lead his team going forward in the fight against relegation.
15.Necaxa
The ‘rayos’ keep on implementing Alfonso Sosa’s pragmatic play style which is working to a certain extent getting two points out of the last two games. The team’s defense, however just does not look good enough to keep on getting points from this style of play. Now with only nine points on the Clausura, Necaxa will need to start worrying how the lack of production in this tournament will affect the team for the relegation race next season.
14.Morelia
The Monarchs are coming from a huge 1-0 victory over Veracruz at the Estadio Morelos. The win now means that Morelia is no longer in last place on the relegation table. The team is far from safe, from relegation and will need to keep on getting solid performances from its Peruvian combo of Andy Polo and Raul Ruidiaz to keep on getting points.
13.Cruz Azul
Finally, after week 1 of the competition, Paco Jemez’s team has won another game, defeating Chiapas 2-0. Despite the victory the team still looks unstable, wasting several opportunities and needing to work very hard for its goals in the game.
12.Club America
The ‘aguilas’ did not look great in their 1-1 draw against Leon and the team looks like it is ready for a transition away from La Volpe and Pelaez. The Mexico City side will be without Renato Ibarra for several months which could also have a huge impact on the team. With the league as contested as it is, America will need to work very hard to reach the playoffs, now in 13th place with 11 points.
11.Chiapas
Chiapas did lose 2-0 against Cruz Azul in this week 9 of the competition, but looked impressive despite the loss. Some wasted opportunities impeded Chiapas from coming away with points from the game, but the opportunities were there. The upbeat quick tempo passing the Jaguares are utilizing has made Sergio Bueno’s side a joy to watch. The team seems to be on the right path to evade relegation thi season.
10.Queretaro
The ‘gallos blancos’ have been gradually improving since Jaime Lozano has taken over as manager of the club. Queretaro is coming from a tough 4-1 loss to Monterrey in week 9 of the tournament, Lozano’s first loss as manager of the ‘gallos blancos’. The team will be looking to bounce back next week when it hosts Club Tijuana at the Estadio Corregidora.
9.Atlas
Atlas made another big stride to perhaps earn a playoff spot this Clausura, by drawing to Necaxa 1-1, at the Estadio Victoria. The ‘rojinegros’ have struggled to get points away from home in the past, but have been successful recently, undefeated in their last three games away from the Estadio Jalisco.
2 Power Rankings Teams # 9-1
8.Santos Laguna
The ‘guerreros’ inability to be clinical enough in front of net, cost them their first loss of the Clausura, falling 2-1 to Pumas UNAM. All the draws the team has accumulated also seems to be backfiring now in eighth place with 12 points. A lot of those one point games could have been three had the players been more clinical in front of net.
7.Pumas UNAM
After four straight games without winning, Pumas finally, won again in the Liga MX, defeating Santos Laguna 2-1. The team has been a well-balanced team this tournament, that looks like a lock for the playoffs. It should be interesting to see how the team progresses in the tournament, and keep on seeing the progression of Nicolas Castillo as well, who already has six goals this Clausura.
6.Tigres UANL
The felines are improving coming from a 2-0 victory over Puebla in week 9 of the tournament. Eduardo Vargas has found his way into the starting 11 now and seems to be comfortable, having scored a goal against Puebla. The link up play between Luis Quinones and Vargas was also a spectacle to see in the game, both looking great in Ricardo Ferretti’s starting 11. Andre-Pierre Gignac also seems to have found his grove again, which can be huge for the team from Nuevo Leon.
5.Toluca
Toluca has now lost two straight Liga MX matches, falling 3-1 to Puebla in week 8 and 2-0 to Chivas in week 9. Hernan Cristante still has a very solid side built for instant success this Clausura. It should be interesting to see if the ‘diablos’ can bounce back next week against Cruz Azul.
4.Monterrey
After falling 2-0 to the Xolos in week 8, the ‘rayados’ have bounced back, beating Queretaro 4-1 at home. Antonio Mohamed has one of the best offenses in the league at his disposal and it is starting to show.
3.Pachuca
Pachuca played marvelous against Club Tijuana, coming away with an impressive 3-2 victory at the Estadio Caliente. Hirving Lozano was injured in the match, but the injury was said not to be serious, 18-year-old, Roberto Alvarado was impressive in Lozano’s absence scoring a goal. Franco Jara also stepped up scoring his fourth goal of the Clausura. Pachuca should be a force going forward if the offense can look as good as it did at the Estadio Caliente.
2.Chivas
Guadalajara had a convincing 2-0 victory against Toluca at the Estadio Chivas in week 9 of the Clausura. Chivas had not been all that convincing in recent performances, especially in week 9 when the team conceded three goals in four minutes and lost 4-3 against Chiapas. Alan Pulido was a key figure in the game providing two goals, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep up performances like this. It will also be interesting to see if Chivas can deliver more convincing performances like this.
1.Club Tijuana
The Xolos did lose 3-2 and were utterly dominated in the second half of the game by Pachuca. But of course, they were without key man, Guido Rodriguez shortly after the game was tied 1-1. With a complete team, Club Tijuana are one of the most well-balanced teams in the league. Miguel Herrera’s side should still be a force for weeks to come in the Clausura.
