Week 5 of the Copa Corona MX will feature two match-ups between Liga MX sides, including Atlas hosting Puebla at the Estadio Jalisco this Wednesday, February 22, 2017 (5:00 PM Pacific). This will be the third time these two teams face each other in 2017, with Atlas looking for the first win against the ‘camoteros’.
Atlas has been turning things around in the Liga MX Clausura 2017, now in eighth place with 10 points after a big 1-0 win to Cruz Azul away from home. Atlas is not a team used to having success away from the Estadio Jalisco, so it was a great win for Jose Cruz and company. The team from Guadalajara is not having success in the Copa MX. Atlas has struggled in its previous games in the competition drawing 1-1 to Ascenso side, Zacatecas and losing 1-0 to Puebla.
The ‘rojinegros’ last home game did not go great as they lost 2-1 to archrivals Chivas. It was the first loss for the ‘zorros’ at the Estadio Jalisco since week 13 of the Clausura 2016, where they fell 2-1 to Morelia. Atlas has been solid offensively scoring nine goals, at least one in its last four games. Fidel Martinez has looked like the main figure in attack for Jose Cruz providing two goals and an assist. While Martinez is unlikely to feature in this match, someone who is likely to feature is perhaps Matias Alustiza.
The Argentine forward has been a disappointment in this Clausura for the ‘tapatios’, only providing one goal and not generating much in attack. ‘El Chavo’ has now lost his place in the starting 11 for Jose Cruz to make way to Martin Barragan. It will be interesting to see how Alustiza can fare against his former team.
Puebla is out of last place in the Liga MX and has looked massively improved under new manager, Jose Cardozo. The Paraguayan skipper has Puebla undefeated since joining the club and has also managed to improve the horrid defense Puebla had before his arrival. The ‘camoteros’ have only allowed one goal under the leadership of Jose Cardozo. This will be the second Copa MX game that Cardozo will be in, while in charge of ‘la franja’.
The first went well for the team fighting relegation, as they beat second division side, Zacatecas by a score of 1-0. Some players that did feature for Cardozo in that game include Patricio Araujo, Francisco Torres, Carlos Orrantia and Jeronimo Amione. Puebla’s string of reserves is not to bad and could put up a good fight against the core of youngsters Atlas has presented in the Copa MX. The game should be interesting between two teams in the Liga MX, who are slowly turning things around.
How to watch Atlas vs Puebla
The Atlas vs Puebla match will be broadcast this Wednesday, February 22 at 5:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: ESPN Deportes
Watch Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)