Cruz Azul is set to kick off their journey toward a historic tenth title in the quarterfinals of the Apertura 2024, facing off against Tijuana’s Xolos at Estadio Caliente on November 27. This match marks their first encounter in the playoffs, with Cruz Azul heading into the series as the clear statistical favorite, having achieved a record-breaking 42 points during the regular season.
Having dominated the Apertura 2024 with 13 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss, Cruz Azul boasts the league’s best offense and defense, netting 39 goals and conceding just 12. After a lengthy 18-day break, the team returns to action, looking to shake off a slight dip in form, as they have been winless in their last two matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Tigres on November 9, where they salvaged a point with a last-minute goal from Ángel Sepúlveda.
On the other hand, Tijuana reached the playoffs after a challenging path, requiring two Play-In matches to secure their spot. Although they finished regular season play with 29 points, their performance has been commendable, especially under the leadership of new coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who has led the team back to the playoffs after a five-and-a-half-year absence.
The Xolos are riding a four-game unbeaten streak in regulation time, showing resilience by narrowly defeating Atlas to secure their quarterfinal berth. They will need to capitalize on their home advantage at Estadio Caliente in the first leg to stand a chance against a powerful Cruz Azul team.
Historically, Cruz Azul has the upper hand in their encounters with Tijuana, having won 12 out of 27 matches, while Tijuana has only secured 6 victories. Their first knockout stage meeting will certainly be an interesting clash, especially as Cruz Azul looks to continue their strong season, while Tijuana aims to defy the odds.
Both teams have standout players; for Cruz Azul, Rodolfo Rotondi has been instrumental, contributing significantly to their attacking play with 7 goals and 4 assists during the regular season. For Tijuana, José Zúñiga’s threat up front will pose a test for Cruz Azul’s defense, which has shown vulnerability to fast-paced attacks.
As the two teams prepare to meet, fans are eager to see if Cruz Azul can solidify its position as the favorite or if Tijuana can pull off a surprising upset in this exciting playoff matchup. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, promising an exhilarating showdown as the teams compete for a place in the semifinals.
In summary, the series between Cruz Azul and Tijuana not only highlights statistical disparity but also underscores the potential for thrilling surprises in the knockout stages of the tournament. Fans from both sides have much to look forward to as the matches unfold.