Liga MX, Clausura round 5 round-up

Omar Gonzalez’s first goal in Liga MX helped Pachuca get a draw

SofaScore correspondent Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) brings us Liga MX, Clausura round 5 team of the week analysis.

By admin

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Last weekend, it was hard to look past the performances from Puebla’s starting XI.

On Saturday night, the home squad made up of mostly reserve players, dominated the visiting Atlas 4-1. Uruguayan striker Alvaro Navarro was given just his second start of the season for Los Camoteros and scored twice for the home team during the victory. 31-year-old midfielder Christian Valdez collected a goal and an assist for the home side as well while Argentine goalkeeper Cristian Campestrini amassed six saves and held Atlas to just one goal in the victory.

Looking elsewhere in the league, Tigres also found an easy victory after securing a 3-1 away victory over Chiapas on Friday night. Midfielder Jesus Dueñas helped distribute the ball going forward, and scored the first goal of the match for Tigres, but it was French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac who truly closed out the win for Los Auriazules. Gignac scored the second goal for Tigres and was a constant threat with his numerous shots in the game.

Thanks to the help from defender Paul Aguilar, striker Oribe Peralta, and a few other standouts, America had no trouble against Santos Laguna in the 2-0 home win on Saturday night. Peralta scored his third goal of the season and was assisted by Aguilar, who appears to be regaining his form after recovering from his recent injury.

Pachuca may no longer be at the top of the table, but U.S. defender Omar Gonzalez has at least kept them within one point of current leaders Monterrey. During the last few minutes of Pachuca’s Sunday match against Pumas, Gonzalez headed in a late game-tying goal which eventually garnered a 1-1 away draw for Los Tuzos. 20-year-old Erick Gutierrez was excellent in the midfield for the visiting side and provided the assist for Gonzalez.

Defensively, Toluca’s Paulo da Silva must be mentioned. After going down to ten men against Chivas on Saturday, the Paraguayan not only held Chivas to just one goal, but also scored one himself in the 1-1 away draw for Los Diablos Rojos.

Finally, we have Monterrey’s Edwin Cardona who arguably had the goal of the weekend. The midfielder is a step above most Liga MX talent and will surely appear in future lists for team of the week. Against Dorados on Saturday, the 23-year-old Colombian scored Los Rayados’ first goal in the 3-0 win at home.

Dorados, Veracruz and Chivas remain the only teams that have yet to win a game.

Featured Player

Omar Gonzalez (27), SofaScore: 8.4, market value – €950K

Minutes played – 90’

Goals – 1

Clearances 6

Interceptions 5

Duels (won) 6 (6)

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