Santiago Giménez of Cruz Azul scored the winner against Atlas on Saturday just as rumors about a move to Spain have been heating up. The goal was his third in 10 Liga MX games this season. (Photo by Jam Mauricio Salas/Media/Getty Images)
The first games back from a FIFA break can be unpredictable and Matchday 12 in Liga MX was no exception.
Some teams appear refreshed, some see momentum interrupted and those who have multiple players out on international duty might appear tired. Over the weekend, we saw the continuing resurgence of Santos Laguna and América, while at the top of the standings Pachuca stumbled for the first time since Matchday 1.
León had four key players in South America for World Cup qualifiers and the Esmeraldas returned to league play looking flat. Meanwhile, Monterrey and Guadalajara – both with players on international duty – saw their Matchday 12 game postponed, so rust might certainly be a concern for them when they finally get back on the pitch.
Liga MX Power Rankings Week 12
So let’s get right to it. With only five matchdays remaining, the jostling for playoff positions will take on greater urgency.
There was little movement among teams this time around, but that surely won’t be the case as the Liga MX moves down the home stretch.
As always, the figure inside the parentheses after each club’s name reflects that team’s movement in comparison to the previous rankings.
1. Tigres (—)
Miguel Herrera has transformed the Tigres from a pragmatic ball-possession team to an attacking behemoth. If the back line holds firm, this team will surely be in the Liga MX Final.
2. Pachuca (–1)
The Tuzos were overrun by a swarming Santos side that rarely gave Guillermo Almada’s team room to breath. They’ll have a chance to recover on Thursday – and reclaim first place in the Liga MX standings and in these rankings – when they host the Tigres in a make-up game.
3. Cruz Azul (+2)
The Cementeros still need work closing games out as Cruz Azul fans find it hard to relax until the final whistle blows. “La Máquina” has not time to reflect on this problem, however, as a Concacaf Champions League semifinal match against the Pumas awaits tonight.
4. Atlas (—)
The Zorros twice thought they had equalized against Cruz Azul only to see both goals wiped out (correctly) for offside, thus falling to the Cementeros 1-0. Atlas remains one of the stingiest defenses in Liga MX (9 goals allowed), but the Foxes have scored just 13 times in 12 matches.
the previous rankings</a>.</p>
<p><strong>1. Tigres (—)</strong></p>
<p>Miguel Herrera has transformed the Tigres from a pragmatic ball-possession team to an attacking behemoth. If the back line holds firm, this team will surely be in the Liga MX Final.</p>
<p><strong>2. Pachuca (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Tuzos were overrun by a swarming Santos side that rarely gave Guillermo Almada’s team room to breath. They’ll have a chance to recover on Thursday – and reclaim first place in the Liga MX standings and in these rankings – when they host the Tigres in a make-up game.</p>
<p><strong>3. Cruz Azul (+2)</strong></p>
<p>The Cementeros still need work closing games out as Cruz Azul fans find it hard to relax until the final whistle blows.<em> “La Máquina”</em> has not time to reflect on this problem, however, as a Concacaf Champions League semifinal match against the Pumas awaits tonight.</p>
<p><strong>4. Atlas (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Zorros twice thought they had equalized against Cruz Azul only to see both goals wiped out (correctly) for offside, thus falling to the Cementeros 1-0. Atlas remains one of the stingiest defenses in Liga MX (9 goals allowed), but the Foxes have scored just 13 times in 12 matches.</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/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Nos. 5-10 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-492037" src=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"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%2F1389403907-850x560.jpeg" alt="Liga MX Rankings 12" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Harold Preciado and Santos knocked Pachuca out of first place with a 2-1 win as they continue their climb out of the Liga MX basement. (Photo by Armando Marin/Jam Media/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>These clubs could make noise in the playoffs</h3>
<p><strong>5. Puebla (–2)</strong></p>
<p>The Camoteros are now winless in three straight after opening the Clausura on a 6-3-0 run. <em>“La Franja”</em> still has time to claim a Top 4 spot and a bye in the Liga MX playoffs, but Nicolás Larcamón must quickly figure out what ails his side.</p>
<p><strong>6. Santos Laguna (+2)</strong></p>
<p>The Guerreros are playing like gangbusters under interim coach Eduardo Fentanes who has guided <em>“Los VerdiBlancos”</em> out of the depths into playoff contention. <em>“Los Laguneros”</em> smothered league-leading Pachuca and got solid play off the bench as well.</p>
<p><strong>7. Monterrey (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Rayados have not played since March 19 but they have seven games this month so Víctor Manuel Vucetich will have to use his entire line-up (and his team boasts the biggest payroll in Liga MX, so he has plenty of talent on hand). With two games in hand, these guys could easily climb into the Top 4.</p>
<p><strong>8. León (–2)</strong></p>
<p>The Esmeraldas continue to struggle under Ariel Holan, seemingly unable to find an identity. The transition from the smooth, flowing style implanted by Ignacio Ambriz has been disjointed, but having a healthy Luis Montes in midfield could reignite this offense.</p>
<p><strong>9. América (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Aguilas appear poised to make a late run up the standings and if they figure out how to put the ball in the net, they will be dangerous in the playoffs. However, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-liga-mx-america/america-bruno-valdez-salio-lesionado-en-su-regreso-a-la-central-de-la-aguilas">the latest injury to central defender Bruno Valdez</a> is a concern. He returned to the line-up after a lengthy absence only to limp off before halftime with an ankle injury</p>
<p><strong>10. Guadalajara (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Chivas will have to overachieve if they have any intention of being anything more than a wildcard team. Their roster depth is questionable and they close out the Liga MX season with six games in 21 days beginning on Saturday in Toluca.</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/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Nos. 12-18 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-492039" src=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"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%2F1389348233-850x560.jpeg" alt="Liga MX Rankings 12" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Ignacio Ambriz got a bit of a reprieve when Toluca upset third-place Puebla over the weekend. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>At least two of these teams will make the playoffs</h3>
<p><strong>11. UNAM (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Pumas have a short bench and their stretch run will be made more difficult due to their Concacaf Champions League obligations. Of course, if they knock off Cruz Azul to reach the CCL Final, then Liga MX qualification will take a back seat.</p>
<p><strong>12. Toluca (+2)</strong></p>
<p>Have the Diablos Rojos finally turned the corner? Ignacio Ambriz had one foot out the door until <em>“Los Choriceros”</em> demonstrated winning form against Puebla. I always said it would take some time to implant his style in Toluca, but unnecessary locker room drama looked certain to curtail the experiment.</p>
<p><strong>13. Atlético de San Luis (+2)</strong></p>
<p>The Tuneros display grit and gumption and that was enough to get past Liga MX weakling Mazatlán FC over the weekend. Their remaining schedule features three winnable games and if the Pumas (Matchday 15) are still involved in Concacaf Champions League play, points are certainly available against them too.</p>
<p><strong>14. Necaxa (–3)</strong></p>
<p>The Rayos just can’t win at home (1-0-5) and three of their five remaining games are at Estadio Victoria. That doesn’t bode well for Jimmy Lozano who is probably dreaming about summer transfer targets already.</p>
<p><strong>15. Tijuana (–2)</strong></p>
<p>The Xolos <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2022/04/05/liga-mx-power-rankings-12/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQKVT0jVmXg%22>played the Tigres tough for an hour</a> but simply could not hold off the best team in Liga MX for an entire game. A Wednesday make-up game against Atlético de San Luis is an opportunity to state their intention for a wildcard spot.</p>
<p><strong>16. Querétaro (—)</strong></p>
<p>The Gallos Blancos felt hard done by against León with numerous calls going against them. Of course, the decision to let the Esmeraldas retake a penalty that Washington Aguerre stopped was not one of them. Erik Vera clearly invaded the box before Angel Mena took the spot kick. A terrible mistake by the Querétaro defender.</p>
<p><strong>17. FC Juárez (+1)</strong></p>
<p>The Bravos are sliding into oblivion while the front office desperately tries to convince veteran tactician “Tuca” Ferretti to stay on beyond this season. The curmudgeonly coach is not comfortable in the border city and he does not take losing very well either.</p>
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<p><strong>18. Mazatlán FC (–1)</strong></p>
<p>The Cañoneros have never made the playoffs and that record is not going to change this season.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">