Mexican Primera 2012, Week 11 Preview And Fixtures: America, Pumas Contest Clásico Capitalino

The Clásico Capitalino steals the spotlight in the Mexican Primera this week, with Pumas UNAM and Club America in very different situations. The Super Aguilas appear to be very much locked into a Liguilla place, while Pumas are on the outside looking in for the second tournament in a row. They’re in dire need of a victory, both for the three points and the morale boost that comes with beating a huge rival.

In Guadalajara, Estudiantes Tecos need a win while Monarcas Morelia will expect to do the same at the 3 de Marzo on Friday night. Morelia are coming off of a 2-1 home loss to Toluca, while Tecos are getting dangerously close to being mathematically relegated. They’re only alive because of the failure of Atlas and Queretaro to win games, and they need a miracle to stay up.

Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul play a game that could be the best fixture of the week in some weeks, but this one might not be as good as usual. Both teams played in continental action mid-week and might not be 100 percent. Santos are virtually locked into a Liguilla place, while Cruz Azul need to start winning soon to get into one.

Sunday features a brilliant matinee before the Clásico Capitalino, when Monterrey go away to Toluca. The Red Devils were on a bit of a bad run of form before they beat Morelia last week, and they’re back into a Liguilla spot after that victory. They’re facing a very tough test this week against Monterrey, the most in-form team in Mexico. All of their attackers are finally happy and healthy, and it shows. Their 18 goals and plus-eight goal differential are both second in Mexico.

Fixtures

Tecos vs. Morelia - Friday, 10:00 p.m. ET, Galavision
Cruz Azul vs. Santos - Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, Azteca
Queretaro vs. Chivas - Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, Telefutura
Tigres vs. Tijuana - Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET, Galavision
Pachuca vs. Atlante - Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET, Telefutura
Atlas vs. Jaguares - Saturday, 11:00 p.m. ET, Galavision
Puebla vs. San Luis - Sunday, 2:00 p.m. ET, Azteca and ESPN Deportes
Toluca vs. Monterrey - Sunday, 2:00 p.m. ET, Univision
America vs. Pumas - Sunday, 6:00 p.m. ET, Telefutura