Week 2 of the Liga MX 2018 Apertura featured some thrilling games like the clash between Pumas UNAM and Necaxa that had eight goals in it. Week 3 will also feature some enticing matchups that should be filled with goals and excitement, here are three games to watch this weekend.
Cruz Azul vs Tigres UANL – Saturday, August 4 (7:00 PM Pacific)
The highlight of this Week 3 of play will surely be the clash between Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL at the Estadio Azteca. Both teams seem to be among the top early title contenders in this 2018 Apertura as both sides have very strong squads and have the results to go along with that as well. Cruz Azul has wins against Puebla and Chivas and new signings like Pablo Aguilar and Elias Hernandez do seem to be working out. Tigres UANL has wins against Leon and Club Tijuana and its core of players has only gotten better with Guido Pizarro back in the midfield. Both teams are well-built, have six points and are also yet to concede any goals in this 2018 Apertura.
Santos Laguna vs Puebla – Sunday, August 4 (4:00 PM Pacific)
On paper, this seems like a game between two teams that are off to pretty average starts in the 2018 Apertura. However, it can prove to be a very exciting encounter with plenty of goals at the Estadio Corona TSM due to the circumstances. Santos Laguna is not off to the best start with a 2-1 win against Lobos BUAP in Week 1 and a 3-1 loss to Monarcas Morelia in Week 2. Puebla is coming off an impressive 2-1 win against Toluca but did suffer a 3-0 loss to Cruz Azul to open the season. Both team’s weakest component is the defense and this may make for a high-scoring and intense clash in Torreon.
Club Tijuana vs Leon – Sunday, August 4 (6:06 PM Pacific)
This is not a “clasico” in the traditional sense of the word, but it is a rivalry that has brewed over the last few years. These two teams and fan bases do not like each other and this should create quite a spectacle at the Estadio Caliente this Sunday. Club Tijuana is coming off a 1-0 loss against Tigres UANL, arguably the best team in the league, but did win its first game against Chivas at home. Leon has lost its first two games and is also yet to score and will also be without Pedro Aquino or Fernando Navarro due to red cards. Still, this game has a lot of potential because of the rivalry, despite Xolos being the clear favorites to come away with the three points.