Cruz Azul is set to start their journey toward the title in the Apertura 2024 quarter-finals as they face Tijuana’s Xolos. This matchup stands out due to the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, with Cruz Azul coming off a record-setting regular season.
The two-leg tie kicks off on Wednesday, November 27, at 21:10 local time at Estadio Caliente, with the return match scheduled for Saturday, November 30, at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
As the top seed in the tournament, Cruz Azul will be returning to action after an 18-day break, having last played on November 9, where they managed a 1-1 draw against Tigres. Their regular season performance was historic, achieving 42 points – a record in the short tournament format, which includes 17 matches. The team had an impressive record of 13 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss, showcasing both a strong offense with 39 goals and an astute defense, conceding just 12.
Cruz Azul has been particularly dominant at home, where they accumulated 23 out of a possible 27 points, losing just two points through draws against Toluca and Tigres. Meanwhile, Tijuana’s journey to the quarter-finals marks a comeback after over five years of being away from Liguilla contention, a notable achievement for their first-year coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Xolos finished the regular season with 29 points, securing their spot in the quarter-finals via two Play In matches.
Despite a solid performance in the tournament, Tijuana faces an uphill battle against Cruz Azul. Detailed statistics favor Cruz Azul, who has an overall advantage in the head-to-head encounters and scoring figures throughout the season.
As they approach the first game, Tijuana’s best chance may come at Estadio Caliente, but Cruz Azul’s fortress at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes could prove decisive in the return match. The showdown will hinge significantly on the performance of key players like José Zúñiga for Tijuana against Cruz Azul’s Erik Lira.
In summary, the match is poised to be an exciting clash, highlighting the resilience of Xolos against the dominance of Cruz Azul. Fans can look forward to an electrifying series as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals, with Cruz Azul favored to advance.
This upcoming series could serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where underdogs can rise to the occasion, and fans will hope for a thrilling contest between these two teams.