This Saturday, Cruz Azul will host Veracruz at the Estadio Azul for a game in the final matchday of the regular season in the Liga MX Apertura 2017. Being the last matchday of the season, there are several significant games in week 17 but this game could be the most vital and here is why.
Cruz Azul’s Playoff Hopes
This game is so important because both teams desperately need the three points from the game for distinct reasons. The host Cruz Azul is currently in ninth place with 24 points, just outside of a playoff spot and a loss in this game will bring all hopes of playing in liguilla to an end. Not only has the Mexico City team not won a Liga MX title since 1997 but it has now been six tournaments since La Maquina featured in the playoffs.
Los Cementeros have been drifting away from its status of being an elite team in Mexico to now being a national laughing stock. Spanish manager Paco Jemez was brought in to try and turn things around but has reflected the press from focusing on the team to focusing more on his radical behavior.
Jemez’s tenure at the club will surely be over after this tournament but Cruz Azul fans will still be hoping for at least a top-eight finish. Los Cementeros have the talent on their roster to at least make the playoffs with players like Edgar Mendez, Felipe Mora and Angel Mena and should be able to beat a team like Veracruz at home.
Veracruz’s Relegation Struggles
Cruz Azul is the favorite with the more talented squad and the home-field advantage but Veracruz will have a lot of motivation to get the three points like its opponent. Los Tiburones Rojos are not making the playoffs in this Apertura but are fighting another more significant cause, relegation.
Los Escualos have now slipped to last on the relegation table with just 88 points, seven points under penultimate-place Queretaro. The win here and a loss to Queretaro would be very significant heading into the Clausura tournament as there would only be a four-point gap between the two teams. A loss would retain that seven-point gap or even worse, increase it to a 10-point gap if Queretaro can beat Pumas UNAM. Like Paco Jemez, Jose Cardozo’s tenure at his team is likely over after this tournament even with a favorable result in this game.
Veracruz will be without one of its more prolific playmakers, Adrian Luna, which could prove to be a significant loss. Cardozo still has a solid team with players like Daniel Villalva and Cristian Menendez up top that can be dangerous and very strong players like Guido Milan and Jose Rivas in the defense. This Liga MX fixture should be very intense and hard-fought and should produce a very entertaining encounter as both teams will be motivated to get the three points.
How to Watch Cruz Azul vs Veracruz
The Cruz Azul vs Veracruz match will be broadcast this Saturday, November 18 at 3:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
