The Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Liga MX match will be this Saturday, July 20, 2013 (2:30 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Azul. The ‘cementeros’ return to official activity after ending the past Liga MX in the worst possible way. Cruz Azul lost the Clausura 2013 final against Club America after receiving 2 late goals, and losing in penalty kicks. On Saturday, they will attempt to begin the Apertura 2013 on the right foot when they host Monterrey. Like Cruz Azul, Rayados has big dreams for this season, and is one of the few title contenders.
Cruz Azul will begin another journey for a title they have not obtained since Winter 1997. This is a team who has learned how to correctly succeed by using its offensive minded players, with their defensive minded coach, Guillermo Vazquez. On Saturday, they begin the Apertura 2013 against one of the most difficult opponents in the Liga MX. The cementeros transferred important players like Nestor Araujo, Javier Orozco, Alejandro Vela, and Nicolas Bertolo (this last one is still pending); while top striker Teofilo Gutierrez is on the verge of leaving the club through the farthest back door.
Although many players left the club, this is a team that is still capable of big things, especially with the incorporation of the dynamic winger Joao Rojas. Cruz Azul has to start the season with at least a tie, otherwise the team will be plagued with nerves and off-field problems.
Related: Liga MX Apertura 2013 Television Schedule Week 1: July 19-21
The team coached by Victor Manuel Vucetich is a title contender due to their streak of years on the highest part of the table, and because of their current talented squad. During the off-season, they let go of top players like Aldo De Nigris, and Walter Ayovi, but they were replaced by Colombian striker Dorlan Pabon, Lucas Silva, and Efrain Juarez. Pabon is a quick forward who can also play on the right, and who has a potent shot. Juarez has had a couple of years without success, but he could become the versatile player he was during the World Cup 2010. Lastly, Silva was Toluca’s best player last season; the player can play in the defensive and offensive midfield.
Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Prediction
The Cruz Azul vs Monterrey match will be an extraordinary game between two clubs with great squads. These two teams will be title contenders for the entire Apertura 2013, while missing the playoffs will be seen as a disappointment. Considering the strength and dreams of cementeros and rayados, this is the ‘Must Watch Game of the Week’ (It would have been the America vs Tigres match, but America has postponed matches until Week 3).
Cruz Azul and Monterrey have squads based on offense. On Saturday they both will launch their new offensive players on the attack (Darlon Pabon with Monterrey, and Joao Rojas with Cruz Azul). This will be a good match, although it will be important to analyze on what level their current form is in. The Cruz Azul vs Monterrey match will end in a 2-1 win for the rayados.
Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Television
The Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Liga MX match will be televised this Saturday, July 20, 2013 on Univision Deportes at 2:30 PM Pacific.
