The semifinals are here, and the pressure will reach the Estadio Tecnologico with the first-leg of the Rayados de Monterrey vs Club America match this Thursday, December 4, 2014 (7:00 PM Pacific). After a long season, there are only four games left to decide who the two finalists will be. In this semifinal, either side has enough strengths to become a worthy Apertura 2014 finalist, although Club America goes in as the favorite over Monterrey as they finished on top of the league standings.
Rayados of Monterrey enters the semifinals as the lowest ranked team in the ‘liguilla’. The #6 seed defeated Club Atlas last week 2-1 on aggregate score, demonstrating good soccer, especially when striker Dorlan Pabon is on the field. This Thursday, the team coached by Carlos Barra will have to play even better, as a loss at the Tecnologico will complicate there goal of reaching the final.
The team coached by Antonio Mohamed has done everything right this season, according to numbers. The team finished first in the regular standings with 31 points, second in goals with 28 goals, fourth best defense with 18 goals against, and recently defeated their city rivals Pumas in the quarterfinals. Yet somehow, many critics dislike the style of play by coach Mohamed, considering the team plays a defensive style, not apt for Mexico’s biggest team. This Thursday, Mohamed and his players will be pressured to demonstrate that in fact Club America is the best in the Liga MX, and that they have enough to reach the final.
Monterrey vs Club America Prediction
The Monterrey vs Club America first-leg semifinal will be an intense match between two sides who will style defensive systems in order to prevent a loss. While Rayados are slightly favored in this one due to their home advantage, the ‘aguilas’ are known to play well on the counter-attack when the opponent is pressuring on offense. The game in Nuevo Leon will show two conservative teams, although goals will be scored. The final score in the first-leg of the Monterrey vs Club America series will be a 1-1 tie; the winner will be defined next Sunday at the historic Estadio Azteca.
Monterrey vs Club America TV Schedule
The Monterrey vs Club America match will be televised on Univision Deportes at 7:00 PM Pacific.
