Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

Posted Sunday, December 07, 2014 by Bleacherreport.com

Everything is set for the Liga MX semi-final second legs. Some players must step up their performance if they really want to make an impression and help their clubs secure a ticket to the final showdown.

America visited Monterrey in the first leg. Las Aguilas left Estadio Tecnologico with a 3-0 win, putting Rayados in a tough situation for the Sunday match.

Meanwhile, Toluca and UANL ended in a scoreless draw at Estadio Nemesio Diez, which gives Tigres a good chance to tilt the scale in their favor when they play on home soil.

Some footballers couldn't meet their teams’ needs, hence falling short of what was expected and putting them on the spotlight.

Let's take a look at the players who have to up their ante on Sunday.

Joffre Guerron (UANL)

Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

UANL lacked power in the attacking zone, and Joffre Guerron couldn't deliver the results he was supposed to through the right flank.

His strength and speed couldn't shake Toluca's defensive line. The Ecuadorian didn't create a single goal opportunity and only completed 56 percent of the passes he sent.

Guerron was very far from being the winger he was during the regular season, during which he scored four times in 14 appearances and had four assists.

He is key in coach Ricardo Ferretti's tactical system, as he provides depth to the squad, as well as balls to the forwards.

Edgar Benitez (Toluca)

Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

Edgar Benitez joined Jeronimo Amione in Toluca's attacking zone, but the pair failed to surprise UANL goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman.

Benitez's responsibility was bigger—and so were the expectations on him, mainly because he has been an undisputed starter through the whole season, plus he put the ball away three times in 15 appearances.

Unfortunately, Benitez didn't shoot once. He created three goal opportunities, and he only won 38 percent of the duels in which he was involved.

The forward has to take advantage of his speed and dribbling skills, especially since Pablo Velazquez will probably start in the second leg.

Osmar Mares (America)

Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

America proved to be in great shape to take over the 2014 Apertura title. But despite the 0-3 win over Monterrey, Osmar Mares failed to convince.

Playing as a left-back—Miguel Layun played as a midfielder—Mares only made three clearances and won 20 percent of the duels in which he was involved.

Despite coach Antonio Mohamed's 5-3-2 tactical formation, in which the right and left defenders can easily turn into flying full-backs, Mares didn't create a single goal opportunity.

Ultimately, the manager decided to substitute him for the second half.

Dorlan Pabon (Monterrey)

Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

Monterrey's top scorer couldn't do much to help his team overturn the score. Instead, he only made two shots that Moises Munoz saved.

The Colombian lacked the help of Humberto Suazo during the first half, which hurt Rayados deeply.

Dorlan Pabon faced a strong defensive line and, despite his body built and unbalancing skills, he couldn't break it. Even when Suazo came in, the damage was already done and they couldn't sync.

The forward created one goal opportunity, completed 69 percent of the passes he sent and won 29 percent of the duels in which he was involved.

The forward must bring his magic to the Estadio Azteca if he plans to play in the final showdown.

Lucas Silva (Monterrey)

Players Who Need to Step Up in Liga MX Semi-Final 2nd Legs

Lucas Silva was supposed to link the midfield with the attacking zone, but he failed to accomplish the feat.

His lack of possession and inaccuracy pushed coach Carlos Barra to take him out of the pitch after 45 minutes.

Silva only completed 64 percent of the passes he sent, and he didn't create a single goal opportunity or win any of his duels.

In contrast, during the quarterfinals, he made five key passes, his average pass accuracy equaled 73 percent and he even made four clearances and two interceptions.

Silva will probably get a chance to redeem himself—he has appeared in all 20 games Rayados have had this season—but he will need to provide depth and dynamism to the team, just as he did in the regular season.

All stats appear courtesy of Squawka and FEMEXFUT (in Spanish) unless otherwise noted.