The Cruz Azul vs Santos match will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 (3:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Azul in Mexico City. This Week 16 Clausura 2013 match will either guarantee Cruz Azul a spot in the playoffs, or ensure Santos maintains home advantage in the playoffs, at least for the quarterfinals.
Cruz Azul has been on a hot streak that started when they defeated America in the semifinals of the Copa MX in a packed Estadio Azteca. Since then, Cruz Azul has won all 3 Liga MX matches it has disputed, and the title of the Clausura 2013 Copa MX, the first piece of silverware for Cruz Azul in 15 years. If they can continue their winning ways against Santos, Cruz Azul will be all but guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.
Cruz Azul currently sits in 6th place with 23 points, they are too faraway from the 1-4 spots, meaning that home advantage in the playoffs is unlikely. However, if Cruz Azul can take their hot streak into the playoffs, it won’t matter whether they play the first leg at home. Cruz Azul has been playing well, and Santos will be a very good test of whether they have what it takes to win the Liga MX title.
Many in the Mexican soccer media were skeptical when Caixinha, a Portuguese coach with zero experience in Mexico, was brought on to lead Santos. Well, after 15 weeks, it appears the Santos ownership made the right choice. Santos currently sits in 4th place with 29 points, with a legitimate shot at ending in 1st place and earning home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Caixinha has created a team, that may not score many goals, but can defend and keep a clean sheet against any team. Santos hasn’t lost since Week 7, has made it all the way to the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League (where it drew at home 0-0 in the first leg), and appears to be a clear contender for the Liga MX title. An away game against Cruz Azul will be a true test, as Cruz Azul is likely the hottest team in the Liga MX.
Cruz Azul vs Santos 2013 Prediction
The Cruz Azul vs Santos match should prove to be quite entertaining. Cruz Azul has been a beast at home recently (defeated Xolos 5-0 last time), and Santos has proven that beating them is no easy task. I expect a tight match where neither team open up too much. The Cruz Azul vs Santos game will end in a 1-1 draw.
Cruz Azul vs Santos Television
The Cruz Azul vs Santos match will be televised on Azteca America this Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 3:00 PM Pacific.
