Mexican Primera, Week 13: It Ain’t All About The Super Clasico, Monterrey-Santos Sqaure Off

One of the Western Hemisphere’s great rivalries will draw plenty of attention on Sunday, but there are some quality match-ups in the Mexican Primera on Saturday that should serve as great warm-ups.

The best of these is the Monterrey-Santos Laguna match, the top two teams in Group 1 and so far two of the top teams in the entire league.

Santos has cooled off after a blazing start, claiming just seven points and allowing 14 goals in their last six matches after claiming 15 points and allowing just three goals in their first six matches. Cristian Benitez illustrates Santos’ up-and-plateaued season almost perfectly, having scored 10 of his 11 goals in his first nine matches. He hasn’t exactly been invisible in his past three, but this would seem a good time to regain his form as Monterrey’s defense has been almost impenetrable in recent weeks.

Monterrey’s season has been somewhat reversed. They lost their first two matches, but have not lost in their past 10. Monterrey has registered shutouts in five of their past six, and has allowed just one goal since Aug. 28.

Humberto Suazo has scored seven goals during Los Rayados’ unbeaten run, just the latest run of form that has many calling him the best player on the continent.

Despite Monterrey’s better recent form, Santos are probably the favorite with this match being played at Nuevo Estadio Corona. Santos has won all five of their home matches and allowed just two goals in the process.

Although lacking the oomph of Santos-Monterrey, the Jaguares de Chiapas-Pachuca match should at least be entertaining. Both teams play attack-minded styles, scoring 35 combined goals. Pachuca, in particular, seems content to trade goals. Their 19 scores is the fourth highest total in the Apertura, but their 20 goals allowed is the worst among the 18 teams.

Chiapas and Pachuca are currently two of the three teams tied for the final Liguilla spot at 16 points. With Pachuca trailing both Tigres and Chiapas on differential by at least five goals, Pachuca would do themselves a favor by finding a way to get a result on the road.

Also in the mix for that final Liguilla spot are Tigres and Pumas, who play the Clasico Universitario. Pumas are sitting at 18 points and in seventh place overall, despite a -1 goal-differential. That’s mostly the result of particularly poor road form, where Pumas are winless in five matches and have been outscored by eight goals.

Tigres have outscored their opponents by six goals, but have managed to claim just 16 points. Part of their problem has been some frustrating results at home. A loss to Queretaro (their only road win) in the opening match of the Apertura and a tie to Guadalajara (a team also in the mix for that final Liguilla spot) were points they could really use. Pumas would appear to be another team Tigres should handle at home.