Liguilla Preview: Puebla

Puebla started the Clausura 2009 season trying to stave off relegation. They achieved that and more as los Camoteros are matched up against Monterrey in the quarterfinal round of the Ligiulla.

May 12, 2009 6:46:05 PM

More On :  Puebla
Luis Miguel Noriega- Puebla (Mexsport)
Clausura 2009 record: 7-5-5, 26 points. Goals scored: 21. Goals allowed: 24. Leading scorer: Alvaro Gonzales, 7 goals. Primera Division titles: 2. Last League title: 89-90. Last Playoff appearance: Verano 2001, went out in the Semi-finals against Santos.  

Update: Puebla looked to be saved from relegation all season long, and they finally were able to focus on something else after a 2-1 win over a struggling Cruz Azul. Puebla also had many problems in the boardroom with the team going into debt and being unable to pay debts. The team wasn’t able to act as well at home where they only won two games, while they were the best away team winning five games on the road. Both their offensive and defensive records are midtable. Puebla had their best results early in the Jornadas 5-11 where they won five games.  
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Outlook: Puebla have been playing with a lot of heart, and with stronger defensive and offensive teams out there they need to step it up. Both of their records at either end are worse than other teams in the Liguilla, and it will be hard for Puebla to make a deep run. Defensive problems are the biggest worry, but better defending could help ease the problem. No one expected Puebla to make it to the Liguilla after being one of the top contenders for relegation, but they have exceeded expectations with their inclusion in the Liguilla in fifth place in the overall league table.

Andrea Martínez, Goal.com

For more information on the Mexican league playoffs, visit Goal.com's Mexican Football section.

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