Liga MX ETO Power Rankings: Clausura 2022 Rounds 15 & 16

Apr. 25, 2022 – The way Clausura 2022 has gone, we at the ETO power rankings can’t possibly congratulate ourselves for speculating on any team’s short- or long-term outlook.  We can, though, reiterate what we said to begin the very first edition of these rankings: The only thing for sure, is that nothing’s for sure. 

Tigres, once completely unbeatable, are now on a losing streak.  Chivas and América, both thought to be down in the dumps, are now on winning streaks – with América climbing as high as 4^th in the table (before being passed the next day).  And Pachuca, an afterthought at the beginning of the season, are now the undisputed Super Lideres, with no chance of being caught in the final weekend.  All of this is reflected in our latest rankings – which have Tuzos as the unanimous number-one team, Tigres falling out of the top two for the first time since late February, and two other teams entering the top five for the first time.

Eight teams remain in contention for two automatic qualifying bids to the quarterfinals, and six teams remain in contention for the last two spots in Liguilla – so while we know most of the teams in the playoffs, there is still a lot that’s undecided at this point.  As for what’s already happened, our rankings look like this:

1. Pachuca (12-2-2, 38 pts., +17 GD, 1^st in Liga MX)

A strong showing for Pachuca this past week, probably their strongest yet.  Tuesday, they took an early 1-0 lead against Puebla and made it hold up, despite a red card that put them down a man early in the second half.  Then, Saturday, they beat Monterrey decisively, on the strength of a Luis Chávez brace and two late-game goals.  Tuzos have won 4 of 5; and over that span they’ve beaten the 3^rd– and 4^th-place teams in the same week, as well as Tigres in a 1-vs.-2 matchup.  Look out.

2. América (7-4-5, 25 pts., +7 GD, 5^th in Liga MX)

Are this win streak, and this team, for real?  Sure seems like it: They beat León Wednesday, and followed it with a decisive win over 2^nd-place Tigres Saturday.  Aguilas have won six straight under interim manager Fernando Ortíz; and with a win at home over Cruz Azul, they’ll match a seven-game streak set in Guardianes 2021.  Not bad for the team that one of our panelists jokingly voted as “19^th” early in this tournament.

3. Necaxa (7-2-7, 23 pts., +1 GD, 9^th in Liga MX)

Even with what we’ve said above about Pachuca, Rayos may have had the best week of any team in the jornada doble – beating 3^rd-place Puebla, followed by 2^nd-place Tigres, and with much more at stake in their season.  Whereas Pachuca had already clinched a playoff berth and was on their way to the quarterfinals, Necaxa’s two wins gave them a crucial three-game streak that vaulted them from 15^th into Liguilla.

4. Tigres (10-2-4, 32 pts., +10 GD, 2^nd in Liga MX)

Tigres lost to Necaxa Tuesday in a game where they fell behind early, then lost to a red-hot América team Saturday – and were shut out both times.  They’ve lost 3 of their last 5, as well as two straight – their first losing streak since March 2021 – and it’s gotten to a point where Piojo Herrera wants to examine how complacent his team has become after qualifying for the quarterfinals.  Would the real Tigres please stand up?

5. Guadalajara (6-5-5, 23 pts., +3 GD, 7^th in Liga MX)

A win over Tijuana on Tuesday followed by a win over Pumas Saturday gives Chivas three straight wins, all since the dismissal of Marcelo Michel Leaño as manager.  Just outside of the playoffs after 13 rounds, Chivas have done enough the last few weeks to clinch a berth in Liguilla.  Amazingly, a spot in the top four is also within reach – but it’ll take a win over Necaxa, with a combination of several other results.

Also receiving votes: Mazatlán, Atlas, San Luis.

Dropped from last week’s rankings: Puebla, Pumas.

Do you agree or disagree with our rankings?  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment, and be sure to tune in Thursday at 9pm E.T./6pm P.T. for the latest episode of El Mexican Soccer Podcast as we get you set for Round 17 of Clausura 2022!

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