ESPN Deportes Fútbol - México

MEXICO -- Torreon said goodbye to the Corona Stadium in an emotional ceremony and started the countdown to the new Territorio Santos Modelo.

Three titles, many playoffs, huge stars, strikers, good and bad moments, lived in Santos' home, which in the 2009 Apertura Week 14 closed a 39-year cycle.

The team from the Comarca did not win, but held a tie against defending champ Pumas. Sergio Bueno's team did enough to end up tying 1-1; too bad because fans were expecting a little more with Daniel Ludueña starting again. We are sure that he will be the key in the following games.

The Laguneros have not lost in nine games and are still Group 3 leaders, but they could only win once in the last four games. Hachita will provide Santos the consistency they need to succeed, as well as Matias Vuoso, who is recovering his shape.

What can we say about Pumas? They did not change at all. One step forward is followed by a step backwards and they are not achieving positive results. The best thing was Pablo Barrera's goal; a left-leg shot that seemed very hard to accomplish. The goal may be worth a ticket to the playoffs.

SPEAKING ABOUT TICKETS&
Welcome Toluca to the playoffs! They were the first team to reach the playoffs. Will they be the last to leave? We'll see. Beyond the qualification, the best thing for them was that they won again after three games. Toluca had lost some of its power, but in the Bombonera they showed once again the kind of team they are and won thanks to a great goal by Sinha in the 2-1. Of course, the opponent was not a big deal, but the most important thing was to win. Now that they have achieved their first goal, let bring the teams (Atlanta, Pachuca and Puebla) that will demand a greater effort and put the team ready for the playoffs.

POOR COUNT
America only won once in the three consecutive games they played at the Azteca. Jesus Ramirez did not achieve the objective, even though his team looked better than their opponents. They could only defeat Chivas; Puebla got a tie (0-0) and on Sunday, Jaguares kept its nice play on the road and also found a tie, 1-1. Beyond the scored, the worst thing is that having the players to succeed, they seem too careful with their opponents and end up showing a conservative approach. The fans booing were well deserved. If Chucho would give America some more freedom, then we'd be talking about something different. Anyhow, America depends on itself to qualify and they should reach the playoffs.

MEDIOCRITY
Group I is the worst of all. San Luis (17 points) or Chivas (15)? Who would you bet on? Both are having a mediocre tournament, but one of the two, or even Atlas (15), will qualify in second place.

It seems that losing has become a trend. The Gladiators have lost two in a row and Chivas, three. However, they could still qualify. Chivas should be ashamed, they have history behind and they are not respecting it neither with results nor well played soccer.

The Tapatian team has not achieved the expectations, even though they hired Rafael Lebrija. It's a shame that the club president does not play. If they do not work out something, they'll be out of the playoffs.

REALLY TIGHT
On the other hand, Group 2 has become the Group of Death, the most competitive of the league. It has emotion, event though many of its members went trough a roller-coaster. The interesting thing is that the whole six teams could qualify: Morelia, America, Monterrey, Puebla, Pachuca and Jaguares.

Until now, Morelia (28) is the leader and the most viable candidate to take de overall lead from Toluca's hands. Jefe Boy's team could achieve a spectacular finish if they could keep up the shape they shown against Chivas (3-1).

However, if they fare like they did between Weeks 11 and 14 (loss, win, loss, win), they won't accomplish their goal. Consistency is the key for them.

Graciela Reséndiz es reportera de futbol mexicano y colaboradora de ESPNdeportes.com. Consulta su archivo de columnas.