Liga MX returns on Monday with two games that could define the early trajectory of both underperforming sides and their more experienced opponents. Necaxa and CF Pachuca arrive at the weekend with contrasting records but a shared urgency: both need points to climb away from the relegation zone. Their opponents, Monterrey and Club Queretaro, bring different challenges—Monterrey’s defensive reshuffle and Queretaro’s inconsistent finishing—making these fixtures ripe for tactical upsets. What matters most is how the new arrivals integrate under pressure, because in a league where momentum swings quickly, one strong result could reset a season.
Necaxa’s make-or-break moment against Monterrey
Necaxa have lost four of their last five Liga MX matches, leaving them just three points clear of the relegation playoff places. The arrival of J. Valencia from Internacional de Bogota and M. Espíndola from Deportivo Maldonado offers a glimmer of hope, but talent alone won’t secure three points against a Monterrey side that has already shown resilience this season. Monterrey’s defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, yet they retain the firepower to punish any lapse in concentration. The loss of G. Sánchez to Atlante FC has weakened their attacking options, but it has also forced Domènec Torrent to rethink his forward structure, which could leave gaps for Necaxa to exploit.
The key question is whether Valencia and Espíndola can translate their club form into the intensity of a top-flight match. Valencia’s pace on the right wing could stretch Monterrey’s backline, while Espíndola’s pressing in midfield might force errors from a unit that has looked disjointed at times. If Necaxa can impose their rhythm early, they could nick a goal before Monterrey adapts. A draw would still leave them in the bottom half, but a victory would inject belief ahead of the next run of fixtures.
Pachuca’s quiet progress meets Queretaro’s inconsistency
CF Pachuca have quietly assembled a decent run of results despite the departure of C. Alfaro to Atlante FC, suggesting their squad depth is holding firm. The signing of Kenedy from Valladolid has added creativity in midfield, a department that has often been their weak spot. Club Queretaro, meanwhile, have struggled to convert possession into goals, with their attack failing to capitalize on the physical presence of E. Giménez up front. The loss of M. Carcelén to Aucas has further depleted their midfield options, leaving them reliant on Giménez and a supporting cast that lacks cohesion.
Pachuca’s 4-2-3-1 system, with Kenedy operating as the creative hub behind a lone striker, offers a clear path to exploiting Queretaro’s defensive frailties. Queretaro’s backline has conceded in five of their last seven games, and their midfield lacks the steel to snuff out Pachuca’s playmaker. If Kenedy can dictate tempo and force Queretaro into rushed clearances, Pachuca should create enough chances to take all three points. A clean sheet would be a bonus, but even a narrow win would move them closer to the playoff places.
Why these games are more than just midweek fixtures
Liga MX’s Monday schedule often produces unpredictable outcomes, and this round is no exception. Both Necaxa and Pachuca are in the bottom half of the table, but their recent form masks different underlying issues. Necaxa’s problems stem from a lack of cohesion and defensive errors, while Pachuca’s struggles have been more about missed chances and midfield congestion. The arrivals of Valencia, Espíndola, and Kenedy provide fresh narratives, but their impact will hinge on whether they can perform under the pressure of high-stakes football.
Monterrey and Queretaro, on the other hand, arrive with more experience but clear weaknesses. Monterrey’s attack has been blunted by Sánchez’s departure, and Queretaro’s inability to finish chances has cost them dearly. Neither side can afford another setback if they harbour ambitions of pushing for the title or even a playoff spot. For Necaxa and Pachuca, the stakes are even higher: a loss could deepen their relegation concerns, while a win might just be the catalyst they need to turn their seasons around.
What these games will reveal is whether the new signings can deliver when it matters most. Valencia’s direct runs, Espíndola’s work rate, and Kenedy’s creativity are all assets, but Liga MX is unforgiving to sides that rely too heavily on individual brilliance. If Necaxa and Pachuca can blend their new pieces into a cohesive unit, they might just pull off the upset. If not, the pressure will only mount, and the race to avoid the relegation playoff will tighten further.