James’ León Tests New Direction Against Top-Ranked Toluca
León’s New Journey Under Ignacio Ambriz Faces Tough Test Against Toluca
Ambriz Takes the Helm at León Amidst Playoff Hopes
Positioned mid-table with potential for playoff qualification, León, led by Colombian star James Rodríguez, will challenge Toluca’s lead in the Mexican league this Saturday. Ignacio Ambriz, the new head coach, steps in for Eduardo Berizzo, who recently resigned. Ambriz’s debut promises excitement in the crucial twelfth round of the Apertura tournament.
“Only through daily work can we aim for a playoff spot,” said Ambriz, after taking charge of a team that has won just one of its last five league games. Ambriz, 60, takes over with León in the eleventh position, holding 12 points, standing just outside the direct qualification spots and one point away from the playoff contention zones.
León vs. Toluca: A High-Stakes Encounter
On Saturday at Nou Camp Stadium, León will confront Toluca, managed by Argentine Antonio Mohamed, who sits atop the championship standings with 25 points. Toluca, not only leading the league but also having recently triumphed in the Campeones Cup against the LA Galaxy, is poised to extend their five-game winning streak.
Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey, sharing the top spot with Toluca on points, will visit Sebastián Abreu’s Tijuana on Sunday. These games mark a pivotal moment in the tournament, with only six regular-season matches remaining.
Ambriz’s Tactical Approach and James Rodríguez’s Role
Known for his energetic and dynamic football style, Ambriz, a former disciple of Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre, brings new hope to León. His strategy aims to leverage the skills of James Rodríguez, especially in the final stretch of the regular season.
“I have to connect with James in my own way,” noted Ambriz, highlighting his initial interactions with the Colombian playmaker, who aspires to become a champion. This season, Rodríguez has played in eight of 11 matches, missing three due to injuries that have plagued his career.
León’s Offensive Challenges and Ambriz’s Previous Tenure
León’s attack has been one of the weakest in the league, with only 10 goals scored. Despite ups and downs, James Rodríguez has contributed two goals and an assist. Ambriz, returning for a second stint with León after leading them to a league title in 2020, brings experience and a desire to improve the team’s fortunes.
“Second chances aren’t the same—they’re either very good or very bad,” Ambriz remarked. His renewed leadership offers a chance for redemption, especially against Toluca, the team that dismissed him in 2023 amidst a contractual dispute.
Upcoming Matches and Current Standings
- Friday: Necaxa vs. Pachuca, Mazatlán vs. Atlético San Luis, Atlas vs. Juárez
- Saturday: Querétaro vs. Puebla, León vs. Toluca, Tigres vs. Cruz Azul, América vs. Santos
- Sunday: Pumas vs. Guadalajara, Tijuana vs. Monterrey
| Team | Pts | J | G | E | P | GF | GC | Dif |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toluca | 25 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 31 | 14 | 17 |
| Monterrey | 25 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 17 | 6 |
| América | 24 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 11 | 12 |
| Cruz Azul | 24 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 21 | 14 | 7 |
| Tigres | 22 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 21 | 9 | 12 |
| Tijuana | 19 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 11 | 10 |
| Juárez | 18 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 3 |
| Pachuca | 17 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 13 | 2 |
| Guadalajara | 14 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 17 | -1 |
| Pumas | 13 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 17 | -3 |
| León | 12 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 18 | -8 |
| Atlético San Luis | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 18 | -2 |
| Santos | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 18 | -5 |
| Atlas | 10 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 26 | -8 |
| Necaxa | 9 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 20 | -9 |
| Mazatlán | 8 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 20 | -7 |
| Querétaro | 8 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 20 | -9 |
| Puebla | 5 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | 26 | -17 |
