Cruz Azul vs Club Tijuana: A Battle for Early Dominance in Liga MX
Cruz Azul and Club Tijuana are set to clash at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on Wednesday, with both teams aiming to secure a third consecutive victory in this season’s Liga MX. These two sides are the only teams with a perfect record so far, but that will change as they face off in this highly anticipated match.
Background and Current Form
Cruz Azul’s Impressive Start
Cruz Azul has had a stellar beginning to their campaign, demonstrating their prowess with a resounding 4-0 victory over Monterrey at Estadio BBVA Bancomer last Sunday. Under the guidance of Martin Anselmi, the team was unstoppable. Ignacio Rivero opened the scoring, followed by a brace from Carlos Rotondi, and a late goal by Angel Sepulveda sealed the deal. This commanding performance has propelled Los Celestes to the top of the Liga MX table, albeit only by goal difference.
Recent Performance at Home
The home form of Cruz Azul has been formidable. They have lost just one of their last seven home matches, making Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes a fortress. This excellent home record boosts their confidence as they prepare to face Club Tijuana.
Club Tijuana’s Winning Streak
Club Tijuana comes into this match following an exhilarating 4-2 triumph over Guadalajara Chivas at Estadio Caliente on Saturday. Goals from Domingo Blanco and Jose Zuniga established a comfortable half-time lead. Despite a brief comeback by Cade Cowell, Christian Rivera and Zuniga ensured the victory for Juan Osorio’s side.
Improvement in Away Matches
After enduring a seven-game winless streak away from home between January and March, Club Tijuana has turned their fortunes around. They have won two of their last three away matches, showing significant improvement and resilience on the road.
Key Players and Team News
Cruz Azul
- Camilo Candido: Missed the match against Monterrey due to suspension but is available for selection in this game.
- Carlos Rotondi: Riding high on confidence after scoring twice against Monterrey, Rotondi will be keen to continue his scoring spree.
- Gabriel Fernandez: Out of action since February due to a knee injury and will miss this match as well.
Club Tijuana
- Domingo Blanco: In excellent form, having scored in his last two games. He will aim to find the net for a third consecutive match.
Possible Starting Lineups
Cruz Azul:
– Mier; Piovi, Lira, Ditta, Sanchez; Faravelli, Rodriguez, Rivero; Rotondi, Torres, Giakoumakis
Club Tijuana:
– Corona; Mejia, Inzunza, Gomez, Bilbao; Vega, Castaneda, Reynoso; Blanco, Gonzalez, Zuniga
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
Tactical Approach
Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining possession and exploiting the flanks. With players like Rivero and Rotondi in excellent form, they will aim to create scoring opportunities through quick, incisive passes and crosses into the box.
Club Tijuana
Club Tijuana will probably adopt a more counter-attacking approach, relying on the pace and skill of their forwards like Blanco and Zuniga. Their improved away form suggests they are capable of adapting to different tactical scenarios.
Expected Outcome
Given the recent performances of both teams, this match promises to be closely contested. However, Cruz Azul’s strong home form might give them a slight edge, potentially leading to a narrow victory.
FAQs
What time is the Cruz Azul vs Club Tijuana match?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time on Wednesday.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live on major sports networks and available for streaming on various platforms.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Cruz Azul, key players include Carlos Rotondi and Ignacio Rivero. For Club Tijuana, Domingo Blanco and Jose Zuniga are the ones to watch.
What are the current standings in Liga MX?
As of now, both Cruz Azul and Club Tijuana are at the top of the standings, having won their opening two matches.
Will Camilo Candido play for Cruz Azul?
Yes, Camilo Candido is eligible to feature in this match after serving his suspension.
Conclusion
As Cruz Azul and Club Tijuana prepare to face each other, fans can expect an exciting and competitive match. Both teams will be eager to maintain their perfect start to the season and claim sole ownership of the top spot in Liga MX. With key players in fine form and both teams showing tactical acumen, this match is set to be a thrilling encounter. Whether Cruz Azul’s home advantage will prevail or Club Tijuana’s resilience on the road will shine through, only time will tell.
