Obviously, the people who make the schedule don’t like Monterrey too much. In just five days, they have to play their two biggest rivals for Liguilla seeding in this tournament. They dispatched of Santos in a tough match, but Cruz Azul might provide a bit more of a test.
Mexican Primera, Apertura Round 14: Cruz Azul And Monterrey Battle For The Top Seed In Liguilla
That game, along with a host of others, is on Wednesday. Today, there are two matches. One is an interesting match featuring two fringe Liguilla contenders, while the other should be a beat down.
Pachuca versus Tigres
Tuesday, 9 pm Eastern. TV: Galavision
Pachuca’s performance against Jaguares was beyond embarrassing. Most of the team looked like they weren’t even trying and they basically didn’t have a midfield. It’s surprising that it took Jaguares 33 minutes to score and that they only scored twice. While the effort was a big problem and Jaguares are just a good team, some heat should fall on Pablo Marini. Pachuca’s midfield was completely overrun in the first half. In the second half, he subbed on two forwards for a midfielder and a defender. You’ll all be shocked to learn that they didn’t have any more of the possession after this.
Tigres is coming off a solid performance in the Clasico Universitario and will be looking to carry that momentum into Tuesday’s match. It’s hard to call them a favorite in a road match against a team even with them on talent, but Pachuca’s apparently lack of desire to do anything is pretty appalling. Tigres are also encouraged by the fact that they are getting goal contributions from people other than Itamar Batista. Pachuca have the talent to win this match, but based on what we’ve seen in recent weeks, It doesn’t seem probable.
Pumas versus Atlas
Tuesday, 10 pm Eastern. TV: Unconfirmed (though Pumas home games are usually on Telemundo)
Atlas got a 3-1 win last week, but it was at home over Atlante, probably the only team in Mexico that is worse than they are. An away match against Pumas is going to be a different story. Pumas played poorly in the Clasico Universitario, but anything but three points here would be quite embarrassing. This seems like a good game for their shaky defense to re-gain their form. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Dante Lopez and Martin Bravo run riot.
Predictions
Pachuca 1, Tigres 2
Pumas 3, Atlas 1
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