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Liga MX: Week 15 Roundup

By Rafael Diaz

Eight-goal thrillers and the Liguilla is starting to shape up. Here is a roundup on the most important things that happened in week 15 of the Liga MX.


The qualified and on the verge

Pumas UNAM recovered from last week's 3-2 defeat to edge past Xolos de Tijuana 2-1. The Mexico City outfit held their own and became the first team qualified to the Liguilla against a Tijuana side on a miserable run of form. Xolos are mathematically out of the playoff picture and rumors place Miguel Herrera as their new head coach for next year's Clausura.

Also on the verge of qualifying to the Liguilla are Club America and Leon. Las Aguilas produced an emphatic 3-2 victory over Toluca as they survived a last-minute scare with a penalty save from substitute goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez.

Meanwhile, Leon came from behind to earn a 2-1 win against former manager Gustavo Matosas and Atlas. La Fiera turned things around despite losing Juan Ignacio Gonzalez to a red card in the first half.

Down and almost out

Joining Tijuana to the list of teams already eliminated from playoff contention are Dorados de Sinaloa and Santos Laguna.

For Dorados, far from needing a win against relegation rivals Monarcas Morelia, they needed to make a statement. Instead, the team coached by former Honduras manager, Luis Fernando Suarez, got thrashed 4-0, and very few people see the team playing Liga MX futbol next year.

Almost out of the picture is Cruz Azul. While unlikely, after their 1-1 draw to Veracruz, the Cementeros need a miraculous turnaround to challenge for the Liguilla positions.

Liga MX's Thriller

Sunday saw one of the best Liga MX games ever played in a sensational 4-4 draw between Chivas and Pachuca.

Los Tuzos had taken an early advantage through Jonathan Urretaviscaya before Chivas came roaring back and rushed to a 3-1 lead heading into the break.

But not for the first time this season, Chivas never really looked in true command and Pachuca took a 4-3 lead in a space of less than 10 minutes.

Omar Bravo, though, came to Chivas' rescue and equalized from the spot to eventually earn Matias Almeyda's side a point.

It all added to a match full of energy and intensity. Both teams applied a distinctive attacking template not seen by most Liga MX teams and it paid off for those watching in the stands and from home.

The only issue with the final score line was that it kept both teams five points away from eigth place Veracruz.

Player of the week: Edgar Benitez

The 27-year-old Paraguayan scored twice in Queretaro's 3-1 win over Monterrey. Edgar Benitez runs at people, takes them on, and can finish.Throughout the season he has proven to be one of the best acquisitions of the Apertura.

Goal of the week: Daniel Alvarez

Despite being on the losing end of things, Mexico youth international Daniel Alvarez scored this great free-kick against Leon.

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