Clausura 2020: 10 notes from week 10
In week 10, seven out of nine games were played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic and Cruz Azul remained at the top of the table.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic affecting many live sports and events around the world, Liga MX has decided to postpone the Clausura 2020 until further notice. On Sunday we saw how week 10 concluded with a duel for the top of the table between América and Cruz Azul and like each Monday, AS brings you the best summary of what happened this weekend.
Pumas, who started the season in such good form, have gone games without a victory and what is certain is that there will be a new champion this term, because after 10 weeks Monterrey have yet to win a game. Also, it was a big surprise that under Rafael Puente Jr. Atlas finally got their first win of the year.
Health comes first
We love to talk about soccer but due to Covid-19 affecting the entire world, the health of everyone comes first. Many countries around the planet have postponed their domestic leagues and on Sunday night Mexico confirmed that the Liga MX will be put on pause until further notice. Due to the amount of spectators that attend each of the games, the best decision is to postpone all live sports and to avoid contact with others for the time being.
Aldo Rocha, the monarch of Morelia
The Mexican midfielder was a key player for Morelia this weekend as they ended up defeating Querétaro 4-0. Rocha scored two of the four goals on Friday night and now has five in the current season. He is the only Mexican player among the top 10 goalscorers of the Clausura 2020. With their victory on Friday, Morelia move onto 14 points in 10 games and are now getting close to playoff positions.
Finally! Tijuana get their second win
Xolos defeated Pachuca 3-2 at home to get their second victory of the tournament. The team from Tijuana won the first game of the Clausura 2020 but since then they failed to get the three points until week 10. Xolos are probably not going to make it to the playoffs and the game against Pachuca was the last one played with fans present before Liga MX confirmed that the rest of the games will be behind closed doors.
Petr Cech helped Puebla get the 3 points
After Puebla defeated Atlético San Luis 1-0, the community manager of the team used Twitter to compare Arturo Paganoni for using a helmet just like legendary goalkeeper Peter Cech, who responded to the Tweet and his answer became viral.
Gignac remains a killer inside the box
The French superstar received a red card after accidentally stepping on another player, but after VAR reviewed the incident Gignac was able to continue playing. One minute later, he controlled the ball inside the box and scored his only one of the game. In the end Tigres UANL defeated Bravos 3-2 and are in sixth place in the table.
Pumas in crisis
Pumas were one of the in-form teams in the beginning of the tournament but in the past few matches they have struggled to get it together. The team managed by Michel haven’t had a victory in four straight games and in their last three games they have conceded three goals. Last weekend they suffered a tough 3-1 defeat to León.
Monterrey fail to get their first victory against Chivas
Everything seemed to be working in Monterrey’s favour on Saturday night against Chivas when they managed to tie the game thanks to a fantastic goal from Jesús Gallardo. The current champions then made a late push to win the game and César Montes managed to get the second goal of the game but it was disallowed by VAR. Monterrey remain bottom of the table and Chivas remain in the fifth position.
Rafael Puente Jr. got his first victory
Atlas defeated Toluca 3-2 and this means the team from Guadalajara got their first victory of the tournament. Most important is that Rafael Puente Jr. ended his 12-game winless streak with the victory this weekend. Despite Atlas collecting their first three points, they remain in 17th place, while Toluca are in 15th.
Santos remain undefeated at home
It has been 22 games since Santos Laguna lost a home game and last weekend they defeated Necaxa 2-1. They are currently in fourth place and without a doubt are a top contender to win the title this Clausura 2020.
Cruz Azul defeat América in the 'Clásico Joven'
With a single goal from Jonathan Rodríguez, Cruz Azul defeated América 1-0 at the Azteca Stadium and remained at the top of the table. With this victory they have obtained 22 out of 25 points in 10 games. Towards the end of the game Jesús Corona became the hero by saving a penalty kick from Emmanuel Aguilera. This was the last game of week 10 before the suspension of the Clausura 2020.