5 Toughest Liga MX Stadiums to Play at During the 2015 Clausura
The Liga MX has always drawn a big number of supporters to the stadiums. From Chiapas to Tijuana, the 2015 Clausura hasn't been different.
Cheering is a key element of any tough stadium, but there are other factors involved, such as weather conditions and the club's situation in the ongoing season.
We take a closer look at the five stadiums that have been toughest for the away teams in the 2015 Clausura tournament, not only for the support of the home fans, but also for the hosts' performance.
5. Estadio Azteca (America)
1 of 5Capacity: 105,000
Location: Mexico City
America have had a fairly good season so far. Las Aguilas sit third in the general table with a 5-3-2 record.
They have only suffered one loss at the Estadio Azteca, when Leones Negros stunned them in Matchday 8. Before that, America's last defeat came in November against Atlas (1-2).
Gustavo Matosas put together a lethal offense that includes Oribe Peralta, Dario Benedetto and Darwin Quintero.
Estadio Azteca is the venue with the highest capacity in the Liga MX, which makes it the most imposing stadium in the country—it's no wonder the national team plays here.
Another advantage is Mexico City's altitude (7,350 feet above sea level), which puts opponents in a tricky situation.
4. Estadio Nemesio Diez (Toluca)
2 of 5Capacity: 27,000
Location: Toluca
Toluca have always been one of the teams that make the most out of playing on home soil.
Although the 2015 Clausura hasn't been their best tournament—they trail the leaders by eight points—Diablos Rojos are unbeaten at Estadio Nemesio Diez, recording three victories and one draw so far.
Toluca take playing at home very seriously. Last season, they only lost once at Estadio Nemesio Diez, when Leon took three points (2-3).
This season, Diablos Rojos have to work harder in away games, as they've recorded three defeats and two draws.
3. Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna (Chiapas)
3 of 5Capacity: 27,500
Location: Chiapas
Chiapas continue to improve in the Liga MX. Last season, they qualified to the Liguilla after a four-year absence, and the 2015 Clausura doesn't seem any different.
Jaguares haven't lost a single game at Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna since March 2014, when Leon trashed them 0-3.
Coach Sergio Bueno has been in charge of the squad since the 2013 Apertura and has slowly turned his side into one of the most consistent of the Mexican first division.
If Chiapas keep their momentum going, they should be one of the main contenders for the title.
2. Estadio Luis 'Pirata' Fuente (Veracruz)
4 of 5Capacity: 26,100
Location: Veracruz
It's been very refreshing to see Veracruz's commitment to the 2015 Clausura.
Tiburones Rojos started the season fighting to leave the relegation zone behind. Now, with Julio Furch's help, they are one point shy from the tournament's leader.
Veracruz have established themselves as the strongest defensive team of the season, conceding only four goals—two of them at Estadio Luis "Pirata" Fuente.
Coach Carlos Reinoso has done a fantastic job at focusing in the Liguilla, instead of the relegation table, which has worked beautifully.
1. Estadio Caliente (Tijuana)
5 of 5Capacity: 27,300
Location: Tijuana
After a shaky 2014 Apertura tournament, Tijuana are this season's leaders with 20 points, 12 of them at Estadio Caliente.
Xolos are the only club of the 2015 Clausura that have won all their home matches, establishing their ground as the toughest venue.
The team have shown great work between lines and a lethal offense, which has also set them as the most successful attacking side of the tournament, with 18 goals.
Tijuana will host Veracruz in Matchday 10, in what promises to be one of the best games of the season and the one that could put an end to their perfect run on home soil.
All stats appear courtesy of Liga MX official website.
