We’re still three weeks away from major European leagues kicking off, but the Mexican Primera gets a nice, early start due to their eight team Liguilla playoff system that needs to finish before the end of December. Most clubs have made serious changes in the transfer window, with newly promoted Club Tijuana and other relegation threatened sides undergoing the biggest overhauls. The highlight of the opening week of action is Cruz Azul vs. UANL Tigres, while Toluca and Estudiantes Tecos kick off the week.
Mexican Primera Division, 2011 Apertura, Week 1: Cruz Azul Vs. UANL Tigres Highlights Opening Round
Estudiantes Tecos vs. Toluca
Friday, 9:00 pm ET
TV: Galavision
Despite a disappointing showing in the 2011 Clausura, Toluca have neglected to make changes this offseason. This is probably due to the fact that they’re nowhere near the relegation places in the coefficient, but it would take a great deal of spending to make them a title contender. Tecos, on the other hand, have made a lot of changes due to their relegation threatened status. Mauro Cejas was a big loss, but they added Braulio Luna and Herculez Gomez. Tecos should be able to get a decent result at home, but their defense is still questionable and could be exposed by the fantastic through balls of Sinha.
Tigres UANL vs. Cruz Azul
Saturday, 8:00 pm ET
TV: Telemundo
Cruz Azul have the roster to contend for a title. Problem is, two of their best players won’t be playing to start the season. Thanks to a brawl in the 2011 Clausura Liguilla playoffs, No. 10 Christian ‘Chaco’ Gimenez and goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona will be suspended for the first six games of the season. Manager Enrique Meza was also given a touchline ban for one game. Tigres added Edgar Pacheco to their already talented team in the offseason, so they should have the goods to put up a great result at home against a depleted Cruz Azul team. However, Cruz Azul’s strong center of midfield, anchored by Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro might be able to get them a positive result.
Atlante FC vs. C.D. Chivas Guadalajara
Saturday, 10:00 pm ET
TV: Univision
Between Atlante’s great offseason business, their recent record against Chivas at home, and all of the Chivas players who are either injured or away on international duty, the Potros are actually favorites in their season opener. Christian ‘Hobbit’ Bermudez will be the key man in the hole, but offseason acquisition Jorge Hernandez, a spectacular addition, will be just as important playing behind him. Unfortunately, they are missing Osvaldo Martinez, who will be playing in the Copa America final for Paraguay. Despite all of their missing players, Chivas will still have Marco Fabian in the lineup, arguably their best attacking player.
Other matches
Pachuca vs. Santos Laguna - Saturday
Club Tijuana vs. Morelia - Saturday
Atlas vs. Puebla - Saturday
UNAM Pumas vs. San Luis - Sunday
Club America vs. Queretaro - Sunday
Jaguares de Chiapas vs. Monterrey - Sunday
See More:
