The Liga MX quarterfinals are already underway but one of the most enticing matchups will start this Thursday. Cruz Azul will host Club America at the Estadio Azul for the first leg of the series but it seems like this matchup has already been decided before it has started. Club America is the clear favorite to advance to the semifinals and here are three reasons why Cruz Azul has no chance in this playoff series.
1.Previous Matchups
Club America looked overwhelmingly better than Cruz Azul both times the teams met throughout the Apertura season. Las Aguilas walked away with a 3-1 victory at the Estadio Azul the first time the two teams met this season in week 13 of the Liga MX. Then, in the round of 16 in the Copa MX, Los Azulcremas got the better of their Mexico City rivals with a 1-0 win. Club America has always bossed Cruz Azul especially in recent times and especially in games that matter, this season has already been a testament to that and that should stay consistent in this matchup.
2.Motivation
When it comes to the players, motivation is clearly not an issue as both teams will want to win this game, not only because of the rivalry but because it is the playoffs. Now when it comes to the managers this is a completely different story in this Clasico Joven. Miguel Herrera loves to win and loves the spotlight, arguably more than any manager the Liga MX has seen. “El Piojo” is also looking to get back into the Mexican national team and a Liga MX title would help his case to get his old job back. Paco Jemez seems disinterested in Cruz Azul and in Mexican soccer and will likely make a move out of Mexico once the Apertura tournament is over. The Spanish manager is thinking more about visiting his family in his home country than the Liga MX playoffs and this should show in this matchup.
3.The Curse
Whether you believe in curses or not, there is no denying that something always seems to happen to Cruz Azul in these crucial games since the start of the 21st century. Cruz Azul fans do not need to be reminded but there have been very unlikely situations like goalkeepers scoring last-minute goals. The most famous recent example of this was Oscar Perez in the Clausura 2017 against his former team. But the one that will stay with Cruz Azul fans forever was the header by Moises Munoz that caused an own goal by Alejandro Castro in the Clausura 2013 final. That game was against Club America and Miguel Herrera was on the sidelines, just like in this quarterfinal matchup. This mentality that Cruz Azul will fail in these key games is already instilled within its fan base and even in some of the players that have been with the team for a while. This quarter-final series should still be exciting and intense but Club America is the clear favorite to go through to the semifinals.
How to Watch Cruz Azul vs Club America
The Cruz Azul vs Club America match will be broadcast this Thursday, November 23 at 5:30 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
