Chivas fans are excited for their first winning season in a long time. Photo Credit: Diego Perez – El Mexicano
Tigres ran over the previously streaking Gallos Blancos on Friday, momentarily taking the top of the Liga MX table.
Two days later Chivas split points with America in the SuperClasico to reclaim 1st place. The top three teams in the standings, Chivas, Tigres, and Veracruz have not clinched a spot in the Liguilla with just two weeks left until the end of another tight regular season.
While Veracruz and Tijuana once appeared to be the best two teams of the tournament, it is now Chivas and Tigres who are looking stronger coming into the playoffs.
Veracruz have tied their last three games and lost their encounter prior to that after demolishing America 4-0 at home on April 4th. Tijuana is not doing any better with four defeats and a draw in their last five games.
Xolos went down in Toluca on Sunday 2-0. Having lost so many games towards the end of the regular season has to be quite disturbing for their coach, Daniel Guzman. The team has now dropped to 5th place in the standings and their spot in the playoffs is at risk with two complicated games left in the season (at home vs Atlas and away at Leon).
Despite their 4-game winless streak, Veracruz have managed to maintain themselves among the top 3 teams in the standings. However, the Red Sharks are not looking as strong anymore. Their three straight draws have come against teams from the bottom of the table: Morelia, Chiapas, and UNAM.
Turning towards the most important game played this weekend: the SuperClasico. The 1-1 scoreline at the OmniLife Stadium is a bit misleading, considering that Chivas dominated the game from start to end.
The fiery and mighty offensive game plan Gustavo Matosas promised for this season in America has now taken a clear pause. America came out on the field apparently seeking a draw and fearing an embarrassing loss. Just as the reigning champions have dominated the SuperClasico in the last couple of years, this time they showed a great deal of respect for Chivas.
When the final whistle was blown in Guadalajara, the draw seemed like a great result for America. But now looking at their situation in the standings, it is clear America should have gone for more. Matosas has his club on 7th place with 7 teams following them closely. There is only a 3-point margin between America and 14th place Chiapas with two games left to play. Not only that, they will host the always dangerous Toluca next week and will close in Guadalajara against one of the best teams this season: Atlas.
Chivas on the other hand are celebrating the draw for three good reasons. The point earned served to take them back to the top of the table. They stopped a 3-game losing streak at home in SuperClasicos and they did it by coming from behind to tie the game in the second half.
Chepo de la Torre has been labeled as a defensive strategist, but on Sunday he once again proved he is not so defensive after all, making offensive substitutions in the 2nd half. Aldo de Nigris continues to show he is in great shape and always ready to come in to add power to the Chivas offense after scoring a sensational goal to rescue his team from an upsetting loss.
Finally, we can’t ignore what Tigres is doing this season. They have figured a way to be competitive both in Copa Libertadores and Liga MX at the same time. One of the keys to their current success is their roster. Without a doubt, Tigres have the most complete roster in the league. Tuca’s men are on a roll winning four of their last six games including their derby against Monterrey a week ago.
Separated by just a point, it is hard to say who is currently in better shape if Tigres or Chivas. However, we won’t have to wait long to find out as the top two teams of the Clausura 15′ will square off at the Universtario Stadium of Nuevo Leon this Saturday.
