In week 12 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017, Veracruz will host Cruz Azul at the Estadio Luis “Pirata” Fuente this Friday, March 31, 2017 (8:00 PM Pacific). Both teams are currently struggling and a chance at a playoff spot for either team seems slim.
Veracruz has several problems from its players, management, ownership and fans. Manager, Carlos Reinoso is out indefinitely due to health problems and due to violence between the fans, this game will be played with no fans in the stands. The ‘tiburones’ are currently in 17th place in the Liga MX with nine points and are in last on the relegation table with 105 points. The ‘jarochos’ are now four points back of Morelia in penultimate place on the relegation table and desperately need a win here.
Home-field advantage has been key for Veracruz all year, winning three out of four games at home and not conceding a goal in those three home victories. The ‘escualos’ do have a solid team with a strong core of Mexican-born players in its starting lineup like Leobardo Lopez and Angel Reyna. The home-field advantage may not be in effect here with no fans at the Luis “Pirata” Fuente, but it should still be interesting to see how Veracruz can do in this match.
Cruz Azul is another struggling franchise in this Clausura, currently in 14th place with 10 points. The ability to be clinical has been the missing piece to the puzzle for ‘la maquina’ in this tournament. That missing element was clearly seen in Cruz Azul’s last game against Tigres UANL, where the team played well but missed several key opportunities. This inability to put away the chances can cause the Mexico City team to miss the playoffs and even be among the bottom-feeders in this Clausura.
Martin Cauteruccio or Jorge Benitez will need to find a way to score to ensure a favorable result from this match. Angel Mena, Martin Rodriguez and Christian Gimenez have done a good job creating the chances the strikers just need to put the opportunities away. Martin Cauteruccio or Jorge Benitez will need to find a way to score to ensure a favorable result from this encounter. It should be an intense encounter in an empty Luis “Pirata” Fuente with both teams wanting the three points from the game for distinct reasons.
How to Watch Veracruz vs Cruz Azul
The Veracruz vs Cruz Azul match will be broadcast this Friday, March 31 at 8:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Azteca America
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
