Liga MX 2025. Team of the Week: Sepúlveda and Aguirre's standout performances
The matches of the 12th round of the Clausura of the Liga MX (Mexican Championship) 2025 took place from March 14-16.
On the first matchday, Necaxa defeated León, Querétaro narrowly beat Mazatlán, and Toluca crushed Puebla away.
On the second matchday, Tigres, in a match with two own goals, thrashed Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul left no chance for San Luis, América defeated Atlas away, and Juárez and Chivas ended in a draw.
On the third matchday, Monterrey won away against Pumas, and Pachuca defeated Tijuana at home.
We present the symbolic team of the 12th round.
Goalkeeper: Pau López (Toluca)
The Spanish goalkeeper made 6 saves in the match against Puebla, including 3 inside the penalty area, blocked one shot, made one clearance, and intercepted two crosses. This is already the third match out of seven in which López kept a clean sheet.
Left Back: Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
In 68 minutes on the field, Jesús made 2 clearances, as well as one interception and one tackle. He completed 52 (90%) accurate passes, including 2 long balls. Out of 5 ground and aerial duels, Gallardo won 3 and also made one successful dribble attempt.
In the 15th minute, his goal from outside the penalty area started the rout of Puebla. This is Jesús's first goal of the current season.
Center Back: Óscar Manzanares (Querétaro)
Óscar played a crucial role in ensuring the "White Roosters" secured three points against Mazatlán. Manzanares made 10 clearances and 2 interceptions. He completed two accurate long passes and won both aerial duels, also drawing two fouls from the opponent.
Center Back: Ramón Juárez (América)
In the game against Atlas, Juárez made 4 clearances and 2 tackles, as well as one interception. He completed 94% of his passes accurately, including one key and one long pass, creating a scoring chance.
In the 74th minute, Ramón assisted Rodrigo Aguirre, who scored América's third goal. This is Juárez's first goal contribution in the Clausura since March 2022.
Right Back: Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul)
The Colombian not only provided his first assist of the season against San Luis but also made 2 key passes, 2 long passes, and created 2 scoring chances. Ditta made 2 clearances and one interception, and won his only aerial duel.
Left Midfielder: Juan Brunetta (Tigres)
The Argentine, in a match against his former team, delivered 7 long and 6 key passes, 6 crosses, and created two goal-scoring opportunities. Out of 5 ground and aerial duels, Juan won 4. He also successfully executed a dribble and drew 2 fouls.
In the 59th minute, Brunetta scored his 6th goal of the Mexican league season with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
Right Midfielder: Erik Sanchez (America)
Twice in the match against Atlas, Sanchez assisted his teammates for goals. Additionally, he made 3 key and long passes and created another scoring chance. Erik could have scored himself if not for the post denying his shot.
Sanchez also made 3 clearances and one tackle, blocked a shot, and made an interception.
Central Midfielder: Sergio Canales (Monterrey)
The Spaniard was involved in all three goals scored by the "striped" against Pumas. Early in the second half, Sergio converted a penalty and then provided two assists.
This marks the third consecutive match where Canales leaves the field with at least one goal contribution. With 5 goals and 6 assists this season, he ranks among the top three players in Liga MX.
Left Winger: Alexis Vega (Toluca)
The captain of the "red devils" was once again the best on the pitch. First, he assisted Gallardo, and then scored a penalty himself. Vega now leads the league with 8 goals and 6 assists.
Alexis also completed 70 passes (91% accuracy), including 4 key passes, 3 long balls, 2 crosses, and one created chance. Vega forced the opponent to foul him 3 times, won an aerial duel, and made a tackle.
Right Winger: Ángel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul)
Ángel was involved in two of the three goals scored by "cementeros" against San Luis, netting a brace in just five minutes between the 8th and 13th minutes. The last time Sepúlveda scored twice in a match was in October 2024.
In the match against San Luis, he also won 3 out of 4 aerial duels and drew one foul from the opponent.
Forward: Rodrigo Aguirre (America)
The Uruguayan played a pivotal role in America’s victory over Atlas. Of the three goals scored by the "eagles," Rodrigo netted two, which not only secured the match but also elevated the team to the top of the league.
Aguirre also made 2 long and one key pass, 3 clearances, a tackle, and blocked an opponent's shot.
Coach: Andre Jardine (America)
The Brazilian specialist's squad confidently won the away match against Atlas. Jardine's tactical flexibility was evident in his ability to adapt to the opponent's aggressive style, neutralizing their attacks in the second half and capitalizing on opportunities. América’s win over Leon proved fortuitous, propelling them to the top of the league standings.
Luis Torres
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