5 Key Battles for Liga MX Week 8
Matchday 8 will be one for the books, as Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho makes his debut with Queretaro. But he is not the only player who will make a difference on the pitch this week.
Christian Gimenez has the responsibility to help Cruz Azul on their way back to the winner's circle, while Dorlan Pabon will continue his impressive goalscoring pace when Monterrey face Guadalajara.
In the meantime, UNAM will do their best to keep the momentum going after defeating America at the Estadio Azteca in Matchday 7.
The upcoming games will give us epic battles, and you can't miss any of them. Let's take a look at the key clashes.
Ronaldinho (Queretaro) vs. Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Puebla)
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Ronaldinho signed with Queretaro on September 6, becoming the sixth Brazilian on the team.
He will debut with Gallos Blancos on Friday when they try to defeat Puebla at the Estadio Corregidora. If they accomplish the feat, it would mean their first win since the fourth matchday.
Although Ronaldinho is a world-class footballer, he will face one of Mexico's greatest: Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
El Cuau arrived in Puebla this season after spending six years away from the Liga MX.
The Mexican's physicality is not what it used to be, but what he lacks in speed he makes up in experience and technique.
Yair Renteria (Santos Laguna) vs. Christian Martinez (Leon)
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Yair Renteria has put the ball away three times this season, becoming Santos Laguna's top scorer.
Los Guerreros are going through a fantastic moment, having won two of their last three games. Their attacking zone is first-class, thanks to Darwin Quintero, Javier Orozco and Renteria.
The Colombian's speed, strength and accuracy set him as one of the most lethal forwards of the Liga MX.
Leon's back line needs to be focused because William Yarbrough will be out one month after suffering a fracture in the ring finger.
This means Christian Martinez will be on the goal. The last time he was an undisputed starter was during the 2012 Clausura while playing for Estudiantes.
Christian Gimenez (Cruz Azul) vs. Paulo Da Silva (Toluca)
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Cruz Azul may be on a slump, but Christian Gimenez is not about to give up.
The attacking midfielder has created 12 goal opportunities and has completed 82 percent of the passes he has sent, according to Squawka.
His dribbling skills and speed have provided La Maquina with depth and creativity, but unfortunately the finishing touch hasn't been there.
Paulo da Silva will try to put pressure on El Chaco. The Brazilian footballer has been a stalwart for Toluca—no wonder he is the captain of the squad.
He is a strong centre-back who knows how to keep the defense tight and focused.
Dorlan Pabon (Monterrey) vs. Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara)
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Carlos Salcido won't have it easy this week as he has to neutralize Dorlan Pabon, the top scorer of the 2014 Apertura.
The Guadalajara defender may be experienced, but his lack of speed and quick reaction will be his worst disadvantages.
Pabon has proved to be a slick striker who doesn't hesitate or forgive, no matter if his shot at scoring is slim.
So far, the Monterrey footballer has put the ball away seven times, and it doesn't seem like he is going to slow down anytime soon.
Eduardo Herrera (UNAM) vs. Nahuel Guzman (UANL)
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Eduardo Herrera has appeared in the past five matchdays and has started to show what he is capable of.
The UNAM striker scored his first goal of the 2014 Apertura in the game versus Tijuana. He has also created three scoring opportunities while running through the center of the pitch, as reported by Squawka.
It's time for Herrera to keep the momentum going, as UNAM come from a key victory over America, the tournament leader.
To make it happen, he needs to overpower Nahuel Guzman. The UANL goalkeeper has not been very impressive so far, especially because he takes unnecessary risks.
So far, Guzman has 0.43 saves per game and 79 percent of claim success, according to Squawka.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC unless otherwise noted.
