View the Xolos 2 – 2 Cruz Azul Highlights here.
The Xolos Tijuana vs Cruz Azul match will be played at the Estadio Caliente this Friday, October 19, 2o12 at 7:30 PM PST. Xolos and Cruz Azul are two of the best teams in the Liga MX: Xolos is leading the Liga MX, and Cruz Azul is in fourth place. However, Xolos appears to be the superior team, as it has been the most consistent of the two; Cruz Azul has gone through long streaks with scoring issues. Who will come out victorious from this Xolos Tijuana vs Cruz Azul battle on the border?
Xolos- leading the nation
Tijuana is the undisputed leader of the Liga MX, playing a solid, balanced game throughout the entire season. Other than the loss in Week 2 against Leon, Xolos have not had a single match where they looked bad or in danger of losing, they have always been in control. Eight wins, two draws, and just one loss, Tijuana has 28 points and tops the standings. Furthermore, a win against Cruz Azul would put Xolos halfway into the Copa Libertadores (top 3 teams in the standings go to the Libertadores).
Xolos’ last three matches have been against some of the best teams in the league: away at Monterrey, Toluca, and away at Santos. Tijuana came out of those matches undefeated, with five out of nine possible points in the bag, not an easy accomplishment. Now they face another good team in Cruz Azul.
Cruz Azul – playoff contenders, but are they any good?
Cruz Azul’s recent run in the last three matches looks good: two wins, one draw, eight goals scored, and only three allowed. However, it is important to notice that Cruz Azul played against Atlanate, Atlas, and Queretaro, three of the worst teams in the Liga MX. In the final four games of the season, Cruz Azul will face Xolos, Toluca, Santos and Monterrey; this will be the true test of whether they are any good.
I predict that Cruz Azul will fall short against the top teams in the Liga MX, and will get into the playoffs in the last spots, or even barely miss out. Either way, I don’t see Cruz Azul going any further than the quarterfinals; Cruz Azul has been too inconsistent on offense to pose a threat to top defenses.
Prediction: The Xolos Tijuana vs Cruz Azul match will be a close contest, where Xolos will play its usual, balanced game, looking to hit Cruz Azul on the flanks with speed from Riascos and Martinez. Cruz Azul’s offense will stutter against the top defense of Tijuana, I don’t see them breaking through. Xolos will be the superior team, control most of the match, and have the majority of scoring opportunities The Xolos Tijuana vs Cruz Azul match will end in a 2-0 victory for the team from the border. Tijuana will remain atop of the standings and virtually guarantee a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
Television: The Xolos Tijuana vs Cruz Azul match will be televised on Univision Deportes this Friday, October 19, 2o12 at 7:30 PM PST.
