May Leon make a case for themselves as the strongest Liga MX team in recent years? They made it through to the Clausura 2019 finals, lifted the 2020 Apertura trophy, won the 2021 League Cup and now, they are back in the finals for the current 2021 Apertura season against a surprise team. map.
It’s been an incredible run for Leon, and with new coach Ariel Holan on his first tournament with the team, it’s all the more impressive to note that another trophy could be added in the future. close to the finals this week.
Ahead of Thursday’s first leg at home (December 9 at 10:00 p.m. ET) and the return leg at Guadalajara (December 12 at 9:15 p.m. ET), let’s analyze our chances. Leon.
Leon’s Road to the Finals
The pattern is similar in the quarter-finals and semi-finals: First stumble before coming back up.
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In the match against Puebla, Leon came back from a 2-1 away loss in the first leg with a 2-0 home win in the second leg. Thanks to the brackets from Angel MenaThe final score of 3-2 was enough to get a place in the semi-finals.
There, Leon suffered yet another 2-1 away loss, this time a dramatic one with two goals from Tigres UANL in the final minutes of the semi-final first leg. In the second leg, it was Mena who rescued them again with another brace in a 2-1 home win.
Still transitioning to Holan’s system, Leon is a work in progress, albeit a dangerous one. The manager needed to adjust his midfield/winger and that paid off with their place in the final. Gaining the opportunity to adjust tactics at home in the second leg has also proven to work in Holan’s favor.
However, as the 3rd seed, they will have to finish this week’s finals apart from Leon. With Atlas featured as the second seed, the second leg will take place in Guadalajara this Sunday.
Leon’s main players
Once criticized for being absent from big matches, Mena is now an undisputed catalyst in Leon’s attack. The Ecuadorian has four goals and one assist in his last three playoffs for Los Panzas Verdes. Blessed with agility and quick dribbling, he is certain to add at least one more goal this week.
On the back line, William Tesillo is one of the top defensive players in Liga MX. Whether at centre-back or at full-back, the 31-year-old Colombian has the ability to intercept the ball and help build play up front.
Victor Davila is also a potential game changer for Leon. Taking the lead in their most recent 2-0 win last weekend, the 24-year-old Chilean afflicted Tigres’ backline and immediately made an impact with his runs and distribution. his in the first half. If Holan wants his front line to be more mobile, then teaming up with Mena-Davila could be a good choice.
How can they win the championship
Finding the right balance in attack can win it all for Leon. While the midfield and much of the defense appear to be in Holan’s formation, the big question is who will be the first to start.
Depending on how things develop in both feet, Holan might be tempted to stick to Davila and Mena as two forwards to speed up the attack. On the bench, Santiago Ormeno or Emanuel Gigliotti can then be used as more traditional strikers to close games.
On defense, they’ll have to be wary of Atlas’s approach, which can focus on the flanks. Tracking back to mark Atlas’s full-backs, coupled with quick ball movement through high pressure, could help alleviate any problems in Leon’s half of the field.
How can they lose the championship
Defense will be an issue for Leon.
Without a last-minute appeal for his red card, starting left-back Osvaldo Rodriguez would not be available for Thursday’s first leg. Tesillo could be put in his place, but that would then weaken the midfield of the back line. Jose David “Avion” Ramirez is another option, although he is not as reliable defensively as Tesillo or Rodriguez.
As seen in the semifinals, Atlas was able to attack Pumas in the second leg after they made some defensive changes. Without their usual chemistry, nearly every incorrect pass was captured by Atlas’ pressure attackers.
If Leon loses in this week’s final series, it could start with a lack of coordination or an unexpected defensive glitch that needs to change things up at home in the first leg.
