Liga MX: Tigres remain unbeaten, Chivas fall to America in Superclasico

The Liga MX Clausura leaders are clear, but there are a handful of positions available with only five weeks left to play in the first division of Mexican soccer. Tigres continues to sit atop the league table and are unbeaten through 12 matches (8-0-4).

Last weekend the league returned to action after taking a break for the World Cup Qualifiers. All the teams were back in action with nine matches spread over Saturday and Sunday.

Prior to the start of the season, Atlas was directly competing with Queretaro in the relegation battle. There couldn't be more of a surprise than Atlas this season. They've proved to be the real deal and continue their impressive form. On the road in Estadio Azul, Altas got a 2-1 win over the La Maquina. Cruz Azul sits with 14 points in the table and if they don't pick up points in the next couple weeks, they'll likely miss the playoffs. Atlas on the other hand, is second in the table with an impressive 26 points (8-2-2).

Monterrey moved back into playoff positioning with a lopsided 3-0 home win over Pumas who know are on the outside looking in. This game looked headed for a scoreless draw, but the Rayados managed to score all three goals in the final ten minutes of the match to get the much needed win.

Currently spots 6-15 in the table are separated by only a mere four points. That will certainly make for an interesting final five weeks of play for playoff positioning and relegation.

Speaking of Relegation

Santos played host to Queretaro in Estadio Corona, but doomed themselves to a draw with a stoppage time own goal which leveled the game 1-1. It was a much needed point for Queretaro who is trying to stave off relegation.

San Luis has fallen into danger of relegation this season after going winless in their first 11 matches. They were able to get their first win of the Clausura with a 3-0 win over fellow bottom dwellers Chiapas. It was a huge win for San Luis who gave themselves some much needed breathing room.

Here is where Queretaro and San Luis stand for relegation at the end of the Clausua:

San Luis: 104 points, 97 matches = 1.0722
Queretaro: 98 points, 97 matches = 1.0103

With only five weeks remaining, six points separate the two clubs. It should be noted that Queretaro is unbeaten in their last seven matches, notching wins against Club Tijuana, Toluca, and Monterrey. They don't appear ready to say goodbye to the first division, but it looks like it's too little too late.

In fact, Queretaro currently sits in a playoff position (6th place, 4-2-6, 18 points) and could have an awkward finish to the year. Could you imagine if they made the playoffs, won the Clausura championship, and then were sent down to the Ascenso MX (second division)? That would be something. (Note to readers: This will never happen, but nevertheless a fun thing to add to the post.)

Club America Claims Superclasico

The big game of the week was of course the "Superclasico" with Chivas de Guadalajara hosting Club America on Sunday. It doesn't get any bigger than this in Mexico, but this match was marred by injuries and a red card. In the first 25 minutes, Chivas lost two key players - Hector Reynoso and Jorge Enriquez - to injury. Then in the 36^th minute, defender Sergio Perez picked up his second yellow card of the match, forcing Chivas to play the rest of the way with 10 men. Naturally America had the better offensive numbers by the end of the match and forward Raul Jimenez picked up two second half goals to give America a 2-0 win. Hardly a convincing win considering the circumstances, but Club America remains in the third spot in the table with 24 points.

Liga MX Standings (thru 12 of 17 weeks)