The Club America vs Santos Laguna Liga MX playoff match will be played this Wednesday, April 30, 2014 (6:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Azteca. The Clausura 2014 ‘liguilla’ will kick-off with what could be regarded as the most unpredictable quarterfinal series. The #4 and #5 seeds will host a great quarterfinal without an underdog, where both Santos Laguna and Club America are considered strong title contenders.
The Aguilas and Laguneros reached the playoffs after being in the top positions throughout the entire Clausura 2014 season. Santos Laguna enters the finals with 25 points, and in 4th place having scored a league leading 33 goals, but also conceded 29 goals for the second worst defense. Club America finished in 5th place also with 25 points but with 21 goals scored and 19 against. During the regular season, Santos defeated America 4-2 at the Estadio Azteca during Week 10.
Coach Antonio Mohamed will return to a Liga MX playoff, where the last time he won the Apertura 2012 with Xolos of Tijuana. In that occasion, Xolos had finished in 2nd place, was a solid team with a great midfield, an outstanding defense, but most importantly, they were almost unbreakable at their home stadium. Now with America, ‘Turco’ may have a better squad, but the team has not been up to standards for the entire season.
Club America has not been the same offensively since Miguel Herrera left the team, and that has hurt the team as it caused them many points throughout the season. Most importantly, the Aguilas have not won at their home for six straight matches. While with Xolos ‘home’ was his fortitude, with America ‘home’ has been his nightmare. This Wednesday, America will look to break that negative streak as losing or even tying at the Azteca will complicate their pass into the semifinals.
Santos Laguna has been outstanding this season offensively. The team coached by Pedro Caixinha focuses its tactics on giving the ball to its triple offensive threat composed of Oribe Peralta, Darwin Quintero, and Andres Renteria. On Wednesday, the Laguneros will attempt to use that strength in order to score at least an away goal which will give them the advantage while playing at home.
Club America vs Santos Laguna Prediction
The Club America vs Santos Laguna first-leg quarterfinal match will be filled with intensity as both sides will play offensively. With 33 goals, Santos has shown that their greatest weapon is scoring goals, therefore they will aim to score at least an goal which will help them with the away-goal rule. Club America is pressured to win this game not only to take advantage of their house, but also to erase a negative six game win less streak at the Azteca. The Club America vs Santos Laguna match will end in a 2-1 win for the team from ‘coapa’.
Club America vs Santos Laguna TV Schedule
The Club America vs Santos Laguna match will be televised on Univision Deportes and online at UnivisionDeportes.com at 6:00 PM Pacific.
Club America vs Santos Laguna Highlights
The Club America vs Santos Laguna video highlights will be posted soon after the end of the match.
