The Club America vs Pumas Clasico Capitalino match will be held at the Estadio Azteca on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 3:00 PM Pacific. This Mexico City derby is one of the main Clasicos disputed in the Liga MX every season, and with both teams doing fairly well this Clausura 2014, it is sure to be an exciting match.
America, looking for a win
America has suffered two consecutive losses in the last two games and is desperately in need of a win. Coach Turco Mohamed has stated that he feels his team is not what it was last season under Herrera’s coaching, but that with time and effort, it will once again reach its former glory. Club America is still 3rd in the general Liga MX standings with 12 points, although a third loss in a row would be disastrous for player morale.
Turco Mohamed announced that he will count with his full contingent of players, after several have returned from injury and suspension. Just like Miguel Herrera, Turco will continue using a 5-3-2 formation.
Moisés Muñoz, as always, will be the keeper. Valenzuela, Mosqueda and “Maza” Rodríguez are set to start as central defenders, while Paul Aguilar and Layún will play as wingbacks. Medina will play as the holding midfielder in front of the three central defenders.
Generating passes through the middle of the field, will be Osvaldo Martínez, who is back from injury and Rubens Sambueza, who’s back after serving a two match ban. As always, Jiménez and Rey will be the two strikers, tasked with scoring badly needed goals for America.
Pumas: Clasico Capitalino is the most important match
It is no surprise that the most hated rival of Pumas is Club America. After a couple of finals between them and their fans always fighting, this is one of those games that Pumas cannot afford to lose, due to the intense rivalry. Pumas is coming from a draw against Atlas in a game that was difficult for Pumas to handle, due to the intensity Atlas brought to the match. Jose Luis Trejo must now use this match against Club America to prove that Pumas are serious playoff contenders.
With Dante Lopez out due to an injury suffered in the Copa MX game this week, players like Sosa or Lagos might see more action. Bravo, Cortez and the young Ramirez will play an important role for Pumas, as it will be their task to defeat America’s defense. Dario Veron will also be an important factor, as Veron has proven effective against America every single time.
Club America vs Pumas Prediction
Turco Mohamed is in desperate need of points, he cannot afford to have his team lose three in a row, specially when the media compares him to Miguel Herrera every single day. A win would place America safely in the playoff posts, although a loss could see them drop all the way down to 8th, or below. When you add that America is playing at home, against their second biggest rival, you know that Turco will try everything in his power to win all three points.
Pumas would be more than happy to come out of the Azteca with a draw. Trejo’s squad is on a four game unbeaten streak, where they have played well, and looked solid. Trejo will surely use a compact, defensive formation, looking to give up the ball and look for the counterattack. I believe America will dominate possession, and eventually come out with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Club America vs Pumas Television
The match will be televised on Univision and Univision Deportes, this Saturday at 3:00 PM Pacific.
