The Cruz Azul vs. Chivas of Guadalajara game will take place at the Estadio Azul, Saturday at 6:00 PM EST. These two teams are going through two different situations which began since the offseason. Both teams had a Clausura 2012 to forget because they were unable to reach the playoffs, therefore in the offseason their biggest concern was to reinforce all their lines. While Cruz Azul was very busy by signing players like Luis Amaranto Perea, Pablo Barrera, and Mariano Pavone (apart from their already talented squad), Chivas was only able to sign Luis Perez and Rafael Marquez Lugo, while losing two starters. This puts Cruz Azul at an advantage because not only did they gain better players, but they kept most of their squad leading to roster depth. On the other hand, Chivas has their best player (Marco Fabian) in the London Olympics plus two starters which is forcing them to play with mostly rookies.
Moreover, Cruz Azul began the season on the right foot by tying a difficult match against Morelia 0-0 and winning 2-1 against a shallow San Luis. Guadalajara played against two of Mexico’s best (Toluca and Santos Laguna), and during both games the defense made costly mistakes while the offense has still to become a danger. The game between these two squads has always been, and still wil be interesting because it is Mexico’s most popular team against the third most popular team. There is a long history between these two, but most importantly there is rivalry in the stands, in the streets, and even at home. It is a game that causes anguish and happiness because it is the closest one gets to another classic, America-Chivas.
This is the match of the week because of the history and popularity of Chivas and Cruz Azul. However, Chivas is at the worst moment of its history with 8 straight losses, therefore this is not a game of the week which includes two of Mexico’s best teams; purely based on team popularity. Expect a packed stadium and a game in which both teams will play reserved and defensively.
Prediction: cruz Azul has 4 points and their play has been improving. Chivas has signs of life but they have not been able to win against other of the Liga MX’s strongest teams. I cannot see Chivas losing a ninth straight match and third of the season, but I also cannot see them winning with a weak offense and against a strenghtened Cruz Azul. The score will be an interesting 2-2.
Television: This game will be televised this Saturday August 4th, at 6:00 PM EST on Azteca America, and Fox Deportes.
