Liga MX ETO Power Rankings: Clausura 2022 Round 1
Jan. 11, 2022 – The only thing for sure in Liga MX, is that nothing’s for sure.
For one, what do we make of the “Big 4” teams? América was able to hold on for a draw against Puebla despite red cards for Roger Martinez and manager Santiago Solari – and without new signings Jonathan dos Santos and Diego Valdes, both of whom Solari deemed not ready to play just yet. By all accounts, Las Aguilas are loaded, but we didn’t get a chance in Round 1 to see how good they can really be.
Chivas had an impressive season debut against Mazatlán Sunday night, with three goals in a six-minute span in stoppage time of the first half. Whether they can keep this up, or whether they’re closer to the team that tied its second-lowest short-season scoring output in Apertura 2021, remains to be seen. Similarly, while Cruz Azul and its revamped roster got off to a good start Saturday, can they maintain that consistency and be closer to the world-beaters that they were in Guardianes 2021? And after a relatively quiet offseason, Pumas made a lot of noise Monday night in a dominant win against Toluca; are they for real?
Then there are the other contenders. Monterrey: Started off with a scoreless draw against Querétaro; one win in their last ten games (including Liguilla). Defending champion Atlas: Still considered to be in the mix, although we have to wait to see them in action (their Round 1 game is scheduled for January 19th). Tigres: Also have yet to take the field – like Pumas, their opener postponed (until Wednesday) as a byproduct of a pandemic that continues to affect sports leagues across the world.
With all of that in mind, we at El Tri Online will attempt to sort out a tournament that looks as wide-open as ever through our all-new Liga MX power rankings. Every week, our blue-ribbon panel – consisting of commentators for ETO’s flagship show, El Mexican Soccer Podcast – will vote to determine our top five teams. Agree or disagree with our rankings? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
1. Pumas (1-0-0, 3 pts., +5 GD, 1st in Liga MX)
Received the majority of the first-place votes from our panel. Before Monday, Pumas hadn’t won a Liga MX game by 5 or more goals since beating Atlas at home in Apertura 2015. How will they follow it up at Querétaro Friday?
2. Cruz Azul (1-0-0, 3 pts., +2 GD, 4th in Liga MX)
As we noted in our Clausura 2022 preview, La Maquina put themselves in a good position to do some damage this tournament by bringing in Charly Rodriguez, Erik Lira and Uriel Antuna. All three of them made an impact in the opener against Tijuana, highlighted by Rodriguez’s 43rd-minute goal. So far, so good.
3. Guadalajara (1-0-0, 3 pts., +3 GD, 2nd in Liga MX)
If not for Pumas a day later, Chivas would’ve had the most impressive win of Round 1 based on their late first-half run. How well will Roberto Alvarado fit in when he finally takes the field with his new team?
4. Pachuca (1-0-0, 3 pts., +2 GD, 3rd in Liga MX)
Keep an eye on Nicolás Ibáñez: Second in the league in goals in Guardianes 2021, he fell off in Apertura 2021 with only two – a total he matched Thursday against San Luis. Which version of Ibáñez will show up this tournament?
5. Juarez (1-0-0, 3 pts., +1 GD, 5th in Liga MX)
Won a tournament opener for the first time since being promoted to Liga MX in Apertura 2019. Next up: An early test, on the road against Cruz Azul.
Also receiving votes: Puebla, Monterrey.
Be sure to tune-in Thursday at 9pm E.T./6pm E.T. on all of our social media channels for the latest episode of El Mexican Soccer Podcast, as we get you set for Round 2 of Clausura 2022!
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