Clash of the Colombian Stars: Necaxa vs León

The eagerly anticipated match of the 12th round between Necaxa and León is set to showcase an exciting duel between two of Mexico’s most prominent Colombian players: Diber Cambindo and James Rodríguez.

Facing the current leaders, Cambindo’s team boasts the second-highest number of goals scored this season—24 goals in just 11 matches. Leading the scoring charts, Cambindo has netted 10 goals, averaging one every 82 minutes, showcasing his undeniable strength in the box.

Although León holds the top spot, their unbeaten run has ended. Their recent performance against León was lackluster, and coach Eduardo Berizzo acknowledged that the team’s struggle was due to James seeing less of the ball, impacting their overall play.

Necaxa is gearing up with a strategic plan aimed at minimizing James’s influence on the game. “We’re crafting a defensive strategy not only to neutralize James, a player of decisive impact and distinctive stature, but also to be wary of other threats like Moreno, Mendoza, and Cádiz, who can equally sway the game. It’s crucial not to fixate on one key player and overlook the others,” commented Nicolás Larcamón.

In Mexico, James operates in an inverted role and frequently stays central. In 10 matches, he has scored twice and provided four assists, while also reclaiming possession 36 times.

“Both players adapt to playing on their opposite side. Specifically, James Rodríguez plays on the right wing of the attack, while our defense has to deal with the left. Thus, it’s unlikely for Lara and James to face each other directly,” added the coach.

This exciting match is scheduled to kick off on Friday, March 14, at 8 PM.