Pinnacle Gazette

Armando González Takes Lead in Liga MX Scoring Race

The Chivas forward's double against Pumas propels him ahead of Joao Pedro in the quest for individual glory.

Category: Sports

The race for the top scorer title in Liga MX has intensified following an electrifying Jornada 13, where Armando "Hormiga" González of Chivas de Guadalajara scored a remarkable double against Pumas UNAM. This performance secured a 2-2 draw for his team and propelled him to the top of the scoring chart with 12 goals, overtaking Joao Pedro of Atlético San Luis, who trails with 11 goals.

In a weekend filled with thrilling matches, the showdown between Chivas and Pumas was particularly notable. González, a homegrown talent from Chivas, showcased his scoring prowess in a match that was both tense and decisive. His first goal came in the 70th minute, a powerful header following a precise cross from Diego Campillo. This goal broke the deadlock and demonstrated his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

González didn't stop there. In the dying moments of the match, he converted a controversial penalty awarded after a VAR review, sealing his second goal and ensuring his team remained unbeaten against Pumas. This late-game heroics highlighted his skill and underscored his importance to the Chivas squad as they strive for success in the current season.

“La Hormiga Atómica,” as he is affectionately known, has become a key figure for Chivas, contributing significantly to their offensive strategies. His performance against Pumas has reignited hopes among fans for a successful campaign, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. González is also vying for a spot on Mexico's national team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, having recently received a call-up for a friendly against Portugal.

Before this match, González was tied with Joao Pedro in the scoring race. Pedro had briefly taken the lead after scoring against Monterrey earlier in the weekend, but González's double shifted the momentum back in his favor. Both players are the reigning champions of the scoring title, having finished the previous season with 12 goals each. This season, they are on track to exceed those numbers, with González now leading the pack.

The current scoring leaderboard after Jornada 13 stands as follows: Armando González (Chivas) with 12 goals, Joao Pedro (Atlético San Luis) with 11 goals, and three players—Paulinho (Toluca), Diber Cambindo (León), and Kevin Castañeda (Tijuana)—each with 6 goals. This close competition reflects the high stakes as the season progresses, with every goal becoming increasingly important.

As the Liga MX season approaches its climax, the pressure mounts on González and Pedro and on other contenders. Paulinho, who is defending his title from last season, will be looking to reclaim his position as a leading scorer. The upcoming matches will be decisive, with each player aiming to maintain their scoring streak.

Upcoming fixtures for González include matches against Tigres, Puebla, Necaxa, and Tijuana, which will be key opportunities for him to extend his lead. Pedro will face Toluca, Pumas, Santos, and FC Juárez in a bid to reclaim the top spot. With the season entering its final stretch, every match will be a battle, and the scoring race promises to remain tight.

The excitement surrounding the scoring title is mirrored by the fans' engagement, as they closely follow the performances of their favorite players. The anticipation for each matchday continues to build, with supporters eager to see if González can maintain his lead or if Pedro will mount a comeback.

As the league moves forward, the focus will be on individual accolades and on how these performances impact their respective teams' standings. Chivas currently leads the general standings with 30 points, a position they aim to solidify as they push toward the playoffs.

In the grand scheme of the Liga MX, the battle for the scoring title is not just about personal glory; it reflects the broader competition among teams as they vie for championship success. The performances of players like González and Pedro will be instrumental in shaping the outcomes of the season.

As fans eagerly await the next round of fixtures, the question remains: can Armando González continue his scoring spree and secure the individual title, or will Joao Pedro rise to the challenge in the coming weeks? —this season's scoring race is far from over, and the excitement is only just beginning.