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Mexican Primera Preview: Atlante vs. Tecos
This week 14 pending match was originally postponed due to heavy rain in Cancún. The encounter has taken a greater level of importance since it is set to be played a few days before the last weekend of action and involves two sides that continue in the fight for a playoff ticket.
Nov 12, 2008 11:36:30 AM
Wednesday, 12 November, 2008
(home team listed first, all times local)
Jornada 14
19:00 Atlante - Tecos
In a match postponed due to heavy rain in Cancún, Atlante receive the visit of Tecos in a key match for both sides qualification aspirations.
The Potros have enjoyed a favorable lead in the first group with 23 points, despite five consecutive weeks without a victory. Atlante has destiny in their hands and a victory or a draw for the Cancún side will give them the pass to the Liguilla.
The Azulgranas have failed to wrap-up their playoff qualification in the past two weeks, after suffering consecutive defeats against already eliminated Monterrey and Necaxa. Another home defeat against Tecos will complicate their qualification further, since group rivals Santos and Pachuca have reduced the gap of their lead to two points.
In the last weekend of action (Jornada 17), Atlante travel to Torreon to face current champion Santos on Sunday. A match which may prove decisive for Group 1, if Atlante does not take the three points from this midweek encounter.
On the other side, the Tecolotes have put their qualification in jeopardy after three straight weeks without a victory which has dropped them from the top to the fourth spot of Group 2 with 22 points. Tecos were defeated by group rivals América and Pumas, and tied Pachuca at home.
The second group has proven to be the “Group of Death,” since positions are tight with only three points separating the second spot from the bottom and all the teams involved continue with qualification possibilities.
Having the pending match is advantageous for the Zapopan side. With a victory, they will rise to the second spot of the group and continue with valid Liguilla options, heading into the last weekend of action when they host already eliminated Puebla.
Anything less than the three points from the match against Atlante, will only create a dependence on other results for their ticket to the playoffs.
César García covers México for Goal.com.
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