Cruz Azul is set to kick off its journey toward a potential championship with a quarterfinal matchup against Tijuana in the Apertura 2024. This showdown is notable for its statistical disparity, as Cruz Azul dominated the league, breaking records with 42 points over 17 matches, while Tijuana scraped into the playoffs after intense Play In rounds.
The first leg of this quarterfinal series will occur on Wednesday, November 27, at Estadio Caliente, followed by the return leg on Saturday, November 30, at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Cruz Azul, fresh off an 18-day break, looks to continue its stellar performance after finishing the regular season with an impressive record of 13 wins, three draws, and just one loss.
Cruz Azul highlighted its season by being the best in both offense and defense, scoring 39 goals while conceding only 12. Their home advantage has been crucial, winning 23 out of a possible 27 points at home, with only two draws marking their home games. Meanwhile, Tijuana celebrated a robust season under new coach Juan Carlos Osorio, returning to playoff competition after a 5.5-year absence.
Tijuana closed the regular season with 29 points, showcasing resilience with a run of four games without a loss leading to the playoffs. They will need to leverage their home game to pull off an upset against a more formidable opponent.
Among the key players, Cruz Azul’s Rodolfo Rotondi stands out with seven goals during the season and significant contributions to the team’s offense. In contrast, Tijuana will be looking to star player José Zúñiga, who similarly scored seven goals this season, to create scoring opportunities against Cruz Azul’s strong defense.
As the two teams prepare to face each other, Cruz Azul is favored to advance to the semifinals, given their superior statistics and historic rivalry, which has favored them in previous encounters. The upcoming matches promise excitement, as both teams aim to capitalize on their strengths.
In conclusion, the upcoming quarterfinals not only showcase intense competition but also highlight the potential for thrilling plays, marking a significant milestone in the Apertura 2024. Fans can look forward to seeing if Tijuana can defy the odds or if Cruz Azul will continue its dominant trajectory toward securing its tenth title.
By focusing on the strengths of both teams and the playoff atmosphere, this matchup provides an exhilarating narrative for fans as they anticipate what could be an unforgettable series.