In a great match-up in this week 8 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017, Atlas will host Leon at the Estadio Jalisco this Saturday, February 25, 2017 (5:00 PM Pacific). While there seems to be a resurgence with Atlas, Leon seems to be on the downfall, but both teams do need the three points from the game.
Atlas is coming off a big 1-0 victory over Cruz Azul away from home at the Estadio Azul, which is huge since Atlas is not a team that normally sums up points away from home. The ‘rojinegros’ are in good form getting points in three out of their last four games, including two victories. Atlas is currently sitting in eighth place with 10 points, only six points away from first place, Toluca. Jose Cruz has done a solid job with the institution, providing opportunities to Mexican-born players.
The ‘zorros’ are among the teams that use the most Mexican-born players in their starting 11 using six against Cruz Azul in week 8. Many young players have shined for the team from Guadalajara this tournament like Bryan Garnica and Luis Reyes, who got a call to the Mexican National Team. Fidel Martinez has been a great signing for Atlas, providing a lot of options going forward with two goals and an assist in only five games as a starter.
A disappointment for the team has been Argentine Matias Alustiza, only providing one goal, while Martin Barragan has stepped up providing two goals in only three games as a starter. Atlas looks like a team that can contend for a playoff position in this Clausura, a victory against Leon will be a step in the right direction
Leon has been struggling, now in last place, only accumulating five points in eight weeks of play. Javier Torrente does not seem to be in the hot seat, just yet with the team providing patience. The ‘esmeraldas’ are coming from a positive 2-2 draw to Santos Laguna at the Estadio Leon in week 7 of the competition. The best positive to take from the game was captain, Mauro Boselli, finally getting on the scoresheet after 479 minutes of play in this Clausura.
The Argentine forward was one of the best goal-scorers of the Apertura 2016 campaign providing 10 goals. Boselli has been struggling to put the ball in the back of the net in this tournament and will be looking to get back on track after scoring his first of the Clausura last weekend. The team is struggling to produce much offense with Carlos Pena being the top goal-scorer of the club with two goals, despite not being a consistent starter. Javier Torrente will have defender, Diego Novaretti available to play this week after the week 1 spitting incident with Hirving Lozano.
Novaretti has been looking solid in the Copa MX competition and should provide more security for Leon in defense as the team has allowed 13 goals in this campaign. This Leon team is quite interesting with potential to make playoffs, despite its slow start. A positive result at the Jalisco would be a big step towards a playoff spot in this Causura.
How to Watch Atlas vs Leon
The Atlas vs Leon match will be broadcast this Saturday, February 25 at 5:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Azteca America
Watch Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
