Cruz Azul is set to begin its quest for a coveted tenth title in the Apertura 2024 with a quarterfinal matchup against Tijuana’s Xolos. This series promises to be the most lopsided in the quarterfinals based on recent performance. Cruz Azul, having recently broken the record for points in a short tournament with 42 points, will take on Xolos, who earned their playoff spot after a challenging Path-Play which included two matches.
The first leg of the series will take place on Wednesday, November 27 at 9:10 PM local time at Estadio Caliente, followed by the second leg on Saturday, November 30 at 7:10 PM at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
Cruz Azul’s performance throughout the Apertura 2024 has been historic. The team recorded 13 wins, three draws, and only one loss, showcasing outstanding offensive and defensive capabilities with 39 goals scored and just 12 conceded. The team’s recent form saw them last in action on November 9, where they managed a last-minute equalizer against Tigres.
On the other hand, Xolos appear to have revitalized under coach Juan Carlos Osorio, securing their first playoff berth in over five years. They finished the regular season in seventh place but advanced to the quarterfinals after winning a crucial Play-In match against Atlas. Tijuana ended the regular season with 29 points, achieved through eight wins, five draws, and four losses.
Tijuana’s recent form is encouraging, as they’ve gone four matches without a loss, including a notable draw against FC Juárez and a win against Puebla. They will be looking to maximize their home advantage in the first leg.
Cruz Azul, however, enters the match as the clear favorite given their superior statistics and head-to-head performance against Tijuana, having won 12 of their previous encounters compared to Tijuana’s six victories. The previous meetings seem to reflect a strong psychological edge that Cruz Azul will be keen to leverage.
An interesting matchup to watch will be between both teams’ star attacking players: Tijuana’s José Zúñiga and Cruz Azul’s Rodolfo Rotondi, the latter having scored seven goals and assisted several others throughout the season.
With the stage set for an exciting showdown, fans can look forward to what could be an electrifying end to the Apertura 2024 season. Cruz Azul’s strong record provides hope for supporters as they aim for a dream season finale.
In conclusion, while Cruz Azul heads into the quarterfinals as a strong contender, Xolos will be eager to prove themselves against the odds. The outcome will depend heavily on tactical execution and whether Tijuana can exploit any weaknesses in Cruz Azul’s defense.