The second leg of the Cruz Azul vs Toluca Liga MX liguilla quarterfinal will take place this Saturday, November 30, 2013 (3:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Azul in Mexico City. The first leg of the series ended in a decisive 3-0 victory for Toluca, with that result, Cruz Azul will be forced to win 3-0, or, in case Toluca scores an away goal, to win by a four goal difference.
Toluca’s coach, Cardozo, leads a powerful offense that has outscored opponents all season long, and Cruz Azul was no difference. Throughout the regular season, Toluca was the best offense, scoring 33 goals in 17 matches, while still maintaining one of the best defenses, allowing, on average, one goal per game.
Toluca started off last week’s match at the Estadio Nemesio Diez knowing that a win at home would give them a huge advantage for the return leg. Not only were the Diablos Rojos able to win the game, but they kept Cruz Azul from scoring any away goals, something that could prove to be vital in the unlikely case there is a tie in the aggregate score.
On the other side of the pitch we have Cruz Azul, the eternal ‘pechos frios’ (no heart/soul), who came into the first leg without any intensity, and ended up paying for it. Their week was filled with rumors of head coach Vazquez headed towards unemployment, of players leaving in the off season, and all trainings were held under closed doors.
It looks like Cruz Azul’s season is over, adding yet another year without a championship.
Cruz Azul vs Toluca Prediction
During the regular season, Cruz Azul had the 10th best offense in the league, scoring 21 goals in 17 matches- their strength came from defense. In 17 matches, Cruz Azul only scored three or more goals only once, a 3-1 victory over Chivas in week 5. Toluca only lost twice during the regular season, both by a one goal difference. Furthermore, Toluca only allowed three goals once, in a 4-3 victory over Morelia. Thus, all statistics point towards Toluca moving on to the semifinal.
Cruz Azul will likely play an offensive formation, they have to if they want a shot at achieving the miracle. This will play right into Toluca’s style, which will feast on the open spaces left by the Cruz Azul defense. The Cruz Azul vs Toluca match will end in a 2-1 away victory for Toluca, which will secure a spot in the Apertura 2013 semifinal.
Cruz Azul vs Toluca TV Schedule
The Cruz Azul vs Toluca match will be televised this Saturday, November 30, 2013 on Univision at 3:00 PM Pacific.
