6 Storylines to Follow in Liga MX This Weekend
Matchday 7 of the 2015 Clausura tournament is around the corner, and with it, six key storylines to follow, starting with current Liga MX leaders Cruz Azul.
La Maquina haven't shown an impressive game level, but their defense has been playing at its best, which has been instrumental in staying on top.
Meanwhile, Tijuana follow Cruz Azul closely, in great part due to the clubs' respective attacks. Dayro Moreno, Ricardo da Silva and Gabriel Hauche have put the ball away eight times.
This week, UNAM host America in the Mexico City derby. The last time Pumas defeated America at Estadio Olimpico (regular phase) was in the 2011 Apertura. Can they put an end to the winless streak?
Speaking of Las Aguilas, their former coach Antonio Mohamed has landed a job with Monterrey, and Matchday 7 will mark his debut with Rayados.
It will be a very interesting weekend for sure, so let's take a closer look to these storylines.
Can Guadalajara Secure a Win at Estadio Azul?
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Guadalajara have only won twice this season, and they need to start adding points as soon as possible to leave the relegation zone behind.
But the feat won't be easy. This weekend they travel to Mexico City to face Cruz Azul.
La Maquina have only conceded one goal this season and have a 4-2-0 record. Moreover, the last time they lost to Chivas at the Estadio Azul was in the 2007 Clausura.
Jose Manuel de la Torre bet on a side full of young blood, including Erick Torres, Isaac Brizuela and Miguel Ponce, but his strategy hasn't worked.
Antonio Mohamed's Debut as Monterrey Coach
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So long, Carlos Barra! The Mexican coach was sacked last week after a terrible start with Monterrey.
After Week 6, the club had a 1-1-4 record, which put them in the penultimate place of the general table.
The board of directors decided to bring in Antonio Mohamed, who has already secured two Liga MX titles (Tijuana and America).
His first test will be against Queretaro at Estadio Tecnologico.
Mohamed is also a former Monterrey player. He wore the Rayados jersey for four tournaments, in which he scored 12 times and recorded 14 assists.
Will Tigres Keep Their Copa Libertadores Momentum Going?
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Tigres sit eighth in the general table, with a 3-0-3 record. They have nine points, have scored four goals and have conceded the same number, for a goal difference of zero.
However, it seems like wind is blowing in their favor again. On Wednesday, they defeated Peruvian club Juan Aurich in the Copa Libertadores after a superb hat-trick by Joffre Guerron.
UANL need to keep the momentum going when they face Chiapas at Estadio Victor Manuel Reina. The match is bound to be tough and tight.
Jaguares come from a painful 5-0 loss to America, plus they haven't lost in 16 games held on their home soil. Leon was the last club that stunned them. The Panzas Verdes took a 0-3 victory in the 2014 Clausura.
Mexico City Derby
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UNAM host America in the Mexico City derby on Sunday, and this is by far the most anticipated game of Matchday 7.
Pumas have had a very tough time while playing on home soil lately. Between the 2014 Clausura and the 2015 Clausura, they have only won seven games of the 22 that have taken place at Estadio Olimpico.
They have a 1-2-3 record this season and have only scored seven times. Furthermore, they have the second worst defensive of the 2015 Clausura, as they have allowed 12 goals.
Meanwhile, America come from a 5-0 win over Jaguares, proving that their attack is as lethal as ever. Oribe Peralta and Dario Benedetto have partnered beautifully.
A combination of results would put Las Aguilas as co-leaders, along with Cruz Azul.
Tijuana Have a Chance to Secure the Tournament's Lead
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Tijuana have been playing flawlessly this season. They have only lost once (in Matchday 1 against Puebla), but have secured one draw and four wins ever since.
The key to their success has been the powerful attacking zone that coach Daniel Guzman has put together. So far, Xolos have the strongest offense of the tournament, with 13 goals to their name.
This week they'll visit Universidad de Guadalajara, a squad that sits 16th in the general table and that is struggling to stay in the Liga MX.
This is one of the best opportunities Tijuana will have to grab the lead of the tournament. After six weeks they have 13 points, just one shy from Cruz Azul.
The Race to Avoid Relegation
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With 11 weeks to go in the 2015 Clausura, the race to avoid relegation is hotter than ever.
Universidad de Guadalajara sit last in the relegation table, followed by Puebla, Guadalajara and Veracruz, respectively.
Tiburones Rojos is the best team of the bunch, as they have a 2-4-0 record this season and sit fifth in the general table.
Chivas have been very inconsistent, despite the efforts to renew their squad. They have yet to show more determination in the away matches (they haven't won outside Guadalajara since Matchday 17 of the 2014 Apertura).
La Franja have played in the Estadio Universitario BUAP this season, due to the remodeling of Estadio Cuauhtemoc.
However, the change has suited the squad. They have won twice and tied once while playing there. This week they travel to Morelia in hopes to secure their first three points outside of Puebla.
Finally, Leones Negros, the newest Liga MX side, haven't proved to belong. After 23 games in the first division, they have only won four.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and MedioTiempo.com, unless otherwise noted.
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