Liga MX week 5 recap: Xolos without a manager, Diego Lainez debuts

The 2023 Liga MX Clausura saw several surprises in week 5. 

Diego Lainez finally made his debut for Tigres in the victory against Cruz Azul, while Pachuca stunned yet again to maintain their place atop the Liga MX table. But few others won this weekend, as draws took over the Mexican league.

Here's everything you missed this weekend in Liga MX...

1. Diego Lainez debuts for Tigres

Diego Lainez officially made his return to Liga MX. 

The player debuted for Tigres on Saturday night, coming off the bench in the 53rd minute to replace Nicolas Ibáñez against Cruz Azul. He was received by boos from La Maquina fans, a natural response after Lainez formed part of the Club America squad that defeated Cruz Azul in the 2018 Apertura final to lift the league trophy. 

Lainez adapted well, finding his way inside the box to manage a shot on goal in the 71st minute. Though Jesus Corona made the necessary save, it was a sign of hope for Lainez. 

2. Ricardo Valiño fired

Xolos de Tijuana parted ways with head coach Ricardo Valiño, effective immediately. 

The news comes after Xolos’ third consecutive draw, this time a 1-1 scoreline against Necaxa on Friday in week 5 of the 2023 Liga MX Clausura. The team remains winless this tournament, tallying a total of four draws and one loss to land in 14th place on the table with just four points.

"Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente informs that Professor Ricardo Valiño has ceased to be the technical director of our team. We thank Ricardo and his coaching staff for their work and commitment to our institution, wishing him every success in his future projects,” said the club in a release. 

3. Pachuca leads

The reigning Liga MX champions continue to lead the league table after defeating Club Leon 1-0 on Saturday at the Estadio Leon. Both sides saw a strong start to the game, but Eduardo ‘Chofis’ Lopez secured the lead for the Tuzos with a goal in the 28th minute. 

Lopez’s right-footed shot into the lower left corner marked his fourth goal of the tournament, trailing current Liga MX leading goalscorer Henry Martin by just two. 

Club Leon attempted to fight back as the game progressed, but a red card in the last seconds of the first half complicated the situation. Lucky for Nicolas Larcamon’s side, Tuzos midfielder Erick Sanchez picked up a red card in the 68th minute for a foul against Lucas Romero to even both teams out with 10 men. 

Ultimately, it was the lone goal that earned Pachuca the three points.

4. DRAWS

Liga MX's week five saw too many draws.

Santos Laguna vs. Club America: 2-2
Pumas vs. Atlas: 2-2
Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Queretaro: 1-1
Necaxa vs. Club Tijuana: 1-1