Week 4 of the 2023 Clausura in Liga MX is in the books, and it had a bit of everything: a big, controversial transfer from Europe, a redemption arc for powerhouse club that had been off to a slow start, the first coach firing of the season, a new No. 1 on the table, and much more.
There’s plenty to cover from the latest jornada (match week), so in case you missed anything, here are three talking points and a few additional observations from Week 4 of the Liga MX season.
– Liga MX standings | Liga MX coverage on ESPN Deportes
– Futbol Americas on ESPN+: Liga MX, MLS, USMNT, El Tri
Lainez the latest Mexico star to leave Europe for Liga MX with Tigres
While there isn’t much to say about Tigres‘ 0-0 draw at home against Atletico San Luis over the weekend, there has been no lack of conversation regarding their latest addition: 22-year-old Mexican winger Diego Lainez. According to reports, Tigres have brought the player on loan from LaLiga’s Real Betis, with an option to buy his contract for $7 million.
“I’ve known [Tigres president] Mauricio Culebro for a long time, the interest has always been there since I practically left for Europe and I’m very happy to have arrived,” said Lainez on Sunday, confirming the rumors that he was heading to the Liga MX team. Before his move to Tigres, he had been on loan with Braga in Portugal.
While there’s nothing too surprising about current champions looking strong in a new season, Los Tuzos‘ faith in academy talent makes them stand out among other high spending clubs in Liga MX. In the place of Ibañez, 23-year-old Pachuca product and forward Roberto de la Rosa took over the starting spot with ease. That’s part of a bigger trend within Pachuca: a total of seven players in the starting roster for their latest victory have spent time in their academy system.
Even in a modern era of Mexican soccer that has seen clubs willing to spend exorbitant amounts for domestic players, Pachuca have carved their own successful path by producing and elevating their own talent.
“The reality is, and I insist, we’re satisfied with the squad, they’re working very well. We must support the young players, so we’re fine for the rest of the tournament,” said manager Guillermo Almada about possible reinforcements after the result.
Additional observations
– Elsewhere in Week 4: Atlas bounced back from an early deficit in a 2-2 draw with Santos Laguna, Monterrey scored two second half goals in a 2-1 away win over Puebla, Club Tijuana failed to capitalize on a one-man advantage in a 0-0 draw at home with Pumas, Chivas needed just two shots on target for a 2-1 away victory over FC Juarez, and nine-man Leon held Toluca to a 0-0 draw. Queretaro and Cruz Azul’s Week 4 match has been postponed for March 29.
– CONCACAF and CONMEBOL announced a new partnership, which included the announcement that the United States will host the 2024 men’s Copa America, and South American teams will be invited to compete in the women’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup tournament next year. In addition, a “final four” club competition in 2024 will involve two men’s teams from each confederation.
– And to close things out, let’s check in on former Tigres and Mexico manager Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti. The Brazilian coach called ESPN’s Alvaro Morales during an episode of Futbol Picante last week to claim that Miguel “Piojo” Herrera wouldn’t get the gig as the next manager for Mexico’s men’s national team, without realizing that he was live on air.
“Alvaro, are you on television?” asked the bewildered 68-year-old ex-coach during his accidental live appearance, thinking that the episode he was watching was from the night before.
