Fútbol Americano
Cesar Hernandez 7y

Mexicans in Europe: Can't keep Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez out of the goal

Who can stop Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez?

Following a goal drought that lasted over three months, the Mexico international has more than made up for lost time. On Friday, Hernandez scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen in their 3-1 win over Augsburg, bringing his tally to five goals in his last three starts for the Bundesliga side.

With a Champions League match set against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Chicharito's recent goal-scoring form could not have arrived at a better moment. As for his national team duties, El Tri fans will hope he maintains this momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago next month.

Thanks to his two recent Bundesliga goals, Hernandez leads this week's list of Mexicans in Europe.

Andres Guardado, MF, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

During Saturday's 3-1 victory against NEC Nijmegen, Guardado was once again highly active with his incessant and clever passing. PSV's starting central midfielder has made himself an irreplaceable member of the starting XI.

Hector Moreno, DF, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

Moreno seldom had trouble in defense and was able to easily control his area of the pitch in the 3-1 win. The Mexico international, who has continued to be a surprising source of attacking opportunities, had a well-timed shot hit the crossbar late in the game.

Carlos Vela, FW, Real Sociedad (Spain)

Vela played the full 90 minutes for Real Sociedad in their 1-0 loss to Villarreal. Despite his high-pressing runs and crosses in from the right wing, the 27-year-old could do little to help his team find at least one shot on target.

Jonathan Dos Santos, MF, Villarreal (Spain)

Dos Santos was quieter than usual for Villarreal over the weekend. The midfielder, who was substituted out in the 68th minute, had a slight influence with his limited number of passes.

Raul Jimenez, FW, Benfica (Portugal)

After being substituted onto the pitch during the 72nd minute, Jimenez provided an assist for Kostas Mitroglou's goal in Sunday's 1-0 win over Braga. The striker has failed to earn a spot in Benfica's starting XI since last December.

Jesus Corona, FW, Porto (Portugal)

During Friday's 4-0 thrashing of Tondela, Corona was unlucky not to finish with an assist. The crafty and quick winger provided several dangerous opportunities for Porto through his passing and dribbling. An impressive performance from the Mexico international, who took part in the full 90 minutes.

Miguel Layun, DF, Porto (Portugal)

Following a questionable return from injury last month, Layun was given his second appearance of the year for Porto in their win. Although he only featured for the final 21 minutes, the defender showcased hints of his old self through his distribution and interceptions.

Hector Herrera, MF, Porto (Portugal)

Ahead of their Champions League match against Juventus on Wednesday, Porto's captain was left on the bench and received zero minutes in the victory over Tondela.

Carlos Salcedo, DF, Fiorentina (Italy)

On Sunday, Salcedo earned his first start of the year for Fiorentina in their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan. The 23-year-old, who played in an atypical role as a high-pressing left-back, did well defensively but failed to change the game in the attack.

Guillermo Ochoa, GK, Granada (Spain)

Ochoa had a quieter performance than was expected in net for relegation candidates Granada on Friday. The goalkeeper only needed to make one save in a lopsided 4-1 victory over Real Betis.

Diego Reyes, DF, Espanyol (Spain)

Reyes was given the difficult job of halting Real Madrid on Saturday, but his team fell short in a 2-0 defeat to the Spanish giants. The 24-year-old central defender had a tough time controlling the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata and Lucas Vazquez.

Pedro Arce, MF, Veria (Greece)

Arce's Veria sit at the very bottom of the Greek Super League following a 4-0 loss to PAOK Salonika on Sunday. The midfielder took part in the first 67 minutes of the heavy defeat.

Marco Fabian, MF, Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)

Due to ongoing injury concerns, Fabian was once again left off the roster for Saturday's 2-0 loss to Ingolstadt. The midfielder has said he hopes to return from being sidelined with a back problem in the next two to three weeks.

Cesar Hernandez covers Liga MX and the Mexican national team for ESPN FC. Twitter: @cesarhfutbol

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