Monterrey couldn’t shake free from the scrappy Atlas defense as the two clubs battled to a scoreless draw. Both teams are on the verge of clinching a spot in the Liga MX playoffs. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Time to declare postseason intentions
5. Monterrey (—)
The Rayados dropped points at home against defending Liga MX champs Atlas and striker Vincent Janssen heard some boos after smacking the potential game-winner off the crossbar. With starter Rogelio Funes Mori sidelined, Monterrey is desperately looking for goals and the Dutchman has not delivered.
6. Atlas (—)
The holders are barely scoring a goal a game (16 in 15 matches) and their defense is not as consistently impenetrable as it was last season. Still, the Zorros are a force to be reckoned with, equally as good at home and on the road.
7. Cruz Azul (+1)
The Cementeros climbed into fourth place with Thursday night’s win over Querétaro, but they lack precision. Juan Reynoso’s constant line-up tinkering has prevented this team from settling into a comfort zone and it shows up on the pitch where players don’t appear to know their roles.
8. Necaxa (+5)
The Rayos are definitely overrated in these rankings but they have found a rhythm at the right time, winning two consecutive home games after starting the season 1-0-5 at Estadio Victoria. Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the visiting Tigres may not guarantee a playoff spot for Jaime Lozano and the gang but if they play with the same intensity, they’ll deserve this ranking.
8. Guadalajara (+2)
The Chivas have won two straight since sacking Marcelo Michel Leaño and may have salvaged the season as a result. “The Most Popular Team in Liga MX” controls its own destiny. The Pumas pay a visit to Estadio Akron on Saturday then “The Goats” visit Necaxa to close out the season.
10. UNAM (–3)
The Pumas are huffing and puffing as they continue to chase two pieces of hardware – the Liga MX title and the Concacaf Champions League trophy. With a short bench, Andrés Lillini has his work cut out for him and this club will be exhausted if they manage to make the playoffs – April 23 at Chivas; April 27 vs Seattle Sounders; May 1 vs Pachuca; May 4 at Seattle; May 8 wildcard match (?).
11. Atlético de San Luis (+3)
The Tuneros bounced back from a Week 14 loss at Necaxa by shutting down UNAM to climb back into the heart of the wildcard chase. A visit to Cruz Azul on Saturday will be a big test while their season finale at home against Santos Laguna will surely have a playoff feel to it.
the previous rankings</a>.</p>
<h2>Top of the Liga MX class</h2>
<p><strong>1. Pachuca (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Tuzos regained the No. 1 spot thanks to an efficient 1-0 win over Puebla. Guillermo Almada’s men could tie the all-time Liga MX record for points in a 17-game season by winning out (vs. Monterrey; at UNAM).</p>
<p><strong>2. Tigres (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Tigres appear to have been caught looking ahead to this weekend’s big clash with red-hot América, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVd9Zc2cwbM%22>stumbling against lowly Necaxa</a>. Miguel Herrera’s club was blanked for the first time since Matchday 2 (by Puebla) back on Jan. 15.</p>
<p><strong>3. Puebla (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Camoteros failed to score for the first time all season (they had been the only Liga MX team to have scored in every game). <em>“La Franja”</em> has an easy finish (vs Necaxa, at Mazatlán FC) so they should be able to hold onto a Top 4 spot.</p>
<p><strong>4. América (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Aguilas won their fifth straight by cruising past an imploding León side (three ejections) and have now won five consecutive matches. They’ll put their streak on the line against the No. 2 Tigres and Liga MX fans will get to see how real their revival is.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Nos. 5-11 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-492331" src=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1392671001-850x560.jpeg" alt="Liga MX Power Rankings M16" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Monterrey couldn’t shake free from the scrappy Atlas defense as the two clubs battled to a scoreless draw. Both teams are on the verge of clinching a spot in the Liga MX playoffs. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Time to declare postseason intentions</h3>
<p><strong>5. Monterrey (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Rayados dropped points at home against defending Liga MX champs Atlas and striker Vincent Janssen heard some boos after smacking the potential game-winner off the crossbar. With starter Rogelio Funes Mori sidelined, Monterrey is desperately looking for goals and the Dutchman has not delivered.</p>
<p><strong>6. Atlas (—)</strong></p>
<p>The holders are barely scoring a goal a game (16 in 15 matches) and their defense is not as consistently impenetrable as it was last season. Still, the Zorros are a force to be reckoned with, equally as good at home and on the road.</p>
<p><strong>7. Cruz Azul (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Cementeros climbed into fourth place with Thursday night’s win over Querétaro, but they lack precision. Juan Reynoso’s constant line-up tinkering has prevented this team from settling into a comfort zone and it shows up on the pitch where players don’t appear to know their roles.</p>
<p><strong>8. Necaxa (+5)</strong></p>
<p>The Rayos are definitely overrated in these rankings but they have found a rhythm at the right time, winning two consecutive home games after starting the season 1-0-5 at Estadio Victoria. Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the visiting Tigres may not guarantee a playoff spot for Jaime Lozano and the gang but if they play with the same intensity, they’ll deserve this ranking.</p>
<p><strong>8. Guadalajara (+2)</strong></p>
<p>The Chivas have won two straight since sacking Marcelo Michel Leaño and may have salvaged the season as a result. “The Most Popular Team in Liga MX” controls its own destiny. The Pumas pay a visit to Estadio Akron on Saturday then <em>“The Goats”</em> visit Necaxa to close out the season.</p>
<p><strong>10. UNAM (–3)</strong></p>
<p>The Pumas are huffing and puffing as they continue to chase two pieces of hardware – the Liga MX title and the Concacaf Champions League trophy. With a short bench, Andrés Lillini has his work cut out for him and this club will be exhausted if they manage to make the playoffs – April 23 at Chivas; April 27 vs Seattle Sounders; May 1 vs Pachuca; May 4 at Seattle; May 8 wildcard match (?).</p>
<p><strong>11. Atlético de San Luis (+3)</strong></p>
<p>The Tuneros bounced back from a Week 14 loss at Necaxa by shutting down UNAM to climb back into the heart of the wildcard chase. A visit to Cruz Azul on Saturday will be a big test while their season finale at home against Santos Laguna will surely have a playoff feel to it.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Nos. 12-18 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-492332" src=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1392670778-850x560.jpeg" alt="Liga MX Power Rankings M16" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">León has appeared to run out of answers as they tumble down the Liga MX standings thanks to a four-game winless streak. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Can more than one of these teams reach the playoffs?</h3>
<p><strong>12. Toluca (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Diablos are as undisciplined on the field as off and coach Ignacio Ambriz has been forced to bench several starters for misbehavior at the training ground or in the locker room.<em> “Los Choriceros”</em> have hit the skids (0-2-2) at the wrong time and a Sunday visit from Atlas could represent their last gasp.</p>
<p><strong>13. León (–4)</strong></p>
<p>From Liga MX royalty to riff-raff? The Esmeraldas are in complete disarray, their season completely falling apart. Three León players were red-carded on Wednesday and will miss the all-important match at Santos Laguna. <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/liga-mx/2022/04/21/62616b6cca4741094f8b457f.html">Also missing will be coach Ariel Holan</a> who resigned after the debacle against América. A loss in Torreón virtually ends León’s campaign.</p>
<p><strong>13. Santos Laguna (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Guerreros made a valiant run from the cellar into playoff contention but then stumbled. A draw against 17th-place Querétaro and a road loss at 16th-place Mazatlán has<em> “Los Laguneros”</em> gasping for breath and little room for error.</p>
<p><strong>15. Tijuana (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Xolos continue to underperform, coming up short against Guadalajara despite enjoying better possession. The team from the northern border can’t find the net despite boasting a decent attack squad. Their goal against the Chivas was scored by Guadalajara defender Hirma Mier.</p>
<p><strong>16. Mazatlán FC (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Cañoneros kept their postseason dreams alive with the win over Santos Laguna (Mazatlán has not qualified for the playoffs since joining Liga MX four seasons ago) and with last-place FC Juárez on tap next, they could enter the final weekend with a chance. But they’d need a lot of results to go their way.</p>
<p><strong>17. Querétaro (–2)</strong></p>
<p>The Gallos Blancos gave up a late goal against Cruz Azul but have not been mathematically eliminated. Unfortunately, they’d need to win out (not unrealistic with Tijuana and FC Juárez remaining on the schedule) AND have nine other results go their way. So …</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="3 key match-ups in Champions League semis" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/3-must-see-matchups-champions-league-semifinals/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/liga-mx-tuzos-top-power-rankings/2/"https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/22/3-must-see-matchups-champions-league-semifinals/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 3 key match-ups in Champions League semis </a> </div>
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<p><strong>18. FC Juárez (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Bravos upset Toluca but remain stuck in the Liga MX cellar and are likely to finish last in the “Relegation Standings.” That means ownership will have to write a check for 80 million pesos to Liga MX HQ.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">