Football
Cesar Hernandez 7y

Necaxa aims to knock out champions, Miguel Herrera has to go for broke

The first legs of the Liguilla quarterfinals are now behind us, leaving four matches this weekend to decide the semfinals spots. While clubs like Leon and Necaxa have an upperhand with recent victories, others like Pumas, Tigres, America and Chivas still have plenty left to fight for on Saturday and Sunday.

Here are five things to watch during this weekend's second legs.

1. Tigres closing out the series at home against Pumas

On paper, Tigres manager Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti should feel confident after the 2-2 away draw against Pumas. Although Los Auriazules didn't emerge with a win, they were able to collect two vital away goals that could be the difference for a place in the final four of the Liguilla.

Keeping in mind that another low-scoring tie or victory would be enough to surpass Pumas, Ferretti will have plenty of motivation to play cautious and organized futbol on Saturday night at home. Luckily for Tigres fans, this is the exact style of play that has helped the team concede only 13 goals in 17 regular-season matches.

As for Pumas, manager Francisco Palencia will have a difficult task. Although his side was able to find the back of the net twice in the first leg, it will be tough to do it again in Tigres' daunting Estadio Universitario.

2. Herrera has to go for broke

Statistically speaking, Leon is nearly through to the semis. Following an impressive 3-0 win against Xolos in the first leg, Los Panzas Verdes can already begin planning for the next round.

Does Tijuana manager Miguel Herrera stand a chance when his team hosts the second leg this Saturday? Yes, but it's a slim one.

Xolos will need goals and plenty of them in the Estadio Caliente. Despite the fact that a 3-0 deficit would be impossible for most squads, Tijuana has the firepower to rack-up a few goals that could help the club avoid an early Liguilla exit. Attacking names like Aviles Hurtado, Dayro Moreno and Gabriel Hauche are all talented options who have the capabilities to turn around the scoreline.

That said, if Leon scores one goal the series will likely be over. Due to the away goals rule, if Xolos allow one goal at home, they will need to score at least five of their own. If Leon scores two, Tijuana will need six or more.

Herrera's only chance for survival is by throwing plenty of numbers forward with the hopes of amassing numerous chances on net.

3. Necaxa aiming to knock out last season's champions

Thanks to a late game-winner from Claudio Riano, Necaxa was able to scrape past Pachuca with a 2-1 victory at home. This means that Los Rayos, who were promoted over the summer, are now 90 minutes away from possibly pushing the current title-holders out of the Liguilla.

Leaders like Edson Puch and Felipe Gallegos have been excellent so far for Necaxa in the Apertura and, on Thursday, the two proved to be vital members of the starting XI. Now, with the second leg around the corner, Gallegos and Puch are heading into Sunday's match with plenty of confidence.

However, it must be noted that Pachuca has yet to lose a game this season at the Estadio Hidalgo. Although Necaxa would only need a draw to defeat Los Tuzos, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pachuca finish with a narrow win that would be enough to move on to the semis.

4. La Volpe maintaining his streak and stability

Since arriving in late September, Ricardo La Volpe hasn't brought the most thrilling results to America. Draws appear to be the norm for the manager who has now collected three in a row after the most recent 1-1 result against Chivas.

Say what you will about the former Mexico coach, but he has also yet to lose a league game since taking charge of Las Aguilas. Following some highly questionable performances under former manager Ignacio Ambriz, La Volpe has been able to provide more stability to the Mexico City team.

On Thursday, the coach maintained this stability and was unlucky to not finish with a win over Chivas. Key starters like Silvio Romero and William da Silva were excellent for the squad that should have perhaps finished with a 2-1 victory.

This weekend, America will once again be counting on La Volpe to avoid a loss. A win or draw with two goals or more from the Mexico City club is needed for a spot in the semis.

5. Chivas looking to ruin America's 100-year anniversary

With an away goal in hand, Chivas manager Matias Almeyda has the slightest of advantages when his side hosts America this Sunday.

Knowing full well that Las Aguilas are expected to at least gain a league title during the team's current centennial celebrations, Almeyda has a golden opportunity to wreck the club's festivities.

In order to do this, his starting XI will need to step up much more than they did against America on Thursday. Los Rojiblancos struggled for most of the first half and didn't start making a real impact until the last 45 minutes. On another night, Las Aguilas could have easily finished with a 2-1 win over their rivals.

Several starters like Isaac Brizuela and Carlos Cisneros were far too quiet in the last match, and if Chivas wants to ruin America's party, they'll need many of their first-team players to wake up.

^ Back to Top ^