This is essentially an update of an article that we did last week. With the World Cup coming up the Liga MX season has had to be cut short, and that has led to a bunch of games being crammed into just a couple of weeks time. That’s why in a matter of 7 days we have a completely different playoff picture to look at. At the time of writing there are only 2 teams that are officially out of it, Queretaro, and two time defending champion Atlas, that’s Liga MX for you!
From there the remaining 16 teams still have a shot to make it in. There are a couple of teams that still have 2 games to go, so their chances of making a push are naturally greater. With the way that some of these bottom teams are playing though it seems rather unlikely. We wouldn’t say that any of the teams in the bottom third of the table can make a splash in the playoffs if they make it in, but you never know!
Mazatlan Is In A Good Spot
Mazatlan is one of the few teams that still has 2 games to go this season. They get to play Necaxa who are currently holding that coveted 12th spot on the table. Of course, to be able to get in they’re going to have to pick up at least 4 points from the remaining 6 in dispute it seems. Since they get that head-to-head matchup against Necaxa, that game could literally decide which team advances, and which one has to go home.
The team’s not coming into the matchup in the worst shape. They recently picked up decent results tying a game against Monterrey, beating Atlas, and picking up another point against Toluca. They shot themselves in the foot playing down 10 men against Cruz Azul for most of the game after a bonehead play from their right back who literally punched Uriel Antuna on a play near the sideline. With these recent results in mind it wouldn’t be odd to see them pick up those 3 or 4 points that they need to get in. The points would also go a long way in helping the team avoid a fine at the end of next season, and could see Gabriel Caballero keep his job. So this team has a lot to play for!
Pumas Can Still Save The Season
Tijuana last night didn’t do enough against Necaxa to come away with the win, and Juarez had the table set after a great win against Pachuca, but laid an egg in their most recent game against Santos. Pumas also laid an egg against Cruz Azul after coming off an emotional draw against Toluca. The fact though that Pumas still get two games to make a push makes them more dangerous. They have 14 points coming into the last 2 games of their season, so they need to win both of them to have a chance to get in. That Juarez game against Pumas that’s coming up could also be a matchup that ends up deciding things.
The ironic thing for Pumas is that they may be better off just staying home this season. Manager Andres Lillini has been able to save seasons by getting in at the last minute, and making a splash in the playoffs. This year though, he got a team that should’ve been more competitive than it was. He showed that he maybe isn’t the right manager for a top squad. Staying home, and reflecting on how they can get better for next year could be ideal for Pumas at this point.
