Playing for 90
Fansided

Can Cruz Azul contend for the Clausura title?

By Thomas Buckley

Cruz Azul players trudge off the pitch after losing to Atlético San Luis at Estadio Azteca last season. The Cementeros have been in a funk since losing the Apertura 2018 Finals (Photo by Carlos Ramirez/Getty Images)
Cruz Azul players trudge off the pitch after losing to Atlético San Luis at Estadio Azteca last season. The Cementeros have been in a funk since losing the Apertura 2018 Finals (Photo by Carlos Ramirez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Cruz Azul in a funk
Cruz Azul goalie Jesús Corona screams in frustration after allowing the game-tying goal in the dying seconds of their Matchday 4 game against Toluca on Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

Cementeros fans are used to disappointment and the new season could prove to be another long one as “La Máquina” underwent yet another facelift.

Cruz Azul fans have not seen their team lift the league trophy since December 1997. The way the Clausura 2020 has started, hopes for a ninth championship seem unlikely.

On Sunday in Toluca, veteran goalie Jesús Corona played the villain, allowing a game-tying goal 5 minutes into injury time. The Leo Fernández shot was indeed a bullet, but Corona was unscreened and the ball zipped directly over his head in the center of goal.

Cementeros fans quickly went on social media demanding that new acquisition Sebastián Jurado be granted the starting spot. Jurado, 22, has been unavailable since suffering a thigh injury early in training camp but he played for the Cruz Azul Under-20 team over the weekend.

More from Playing for 90

After the 3-3 draw, Cementeros coach Robert Siboldi said he would consider his options before Saturday’s home game against Pachuca. It would not be a surprise if Cruz Azul fans voice their displeasure loudly if Corona is back between the pipes for the Matchday 5 contest.

To be fair, Corona ought not get full blame for the dropped points. Three Cruz Azul defenders offered distinctly soft pressure on Fernández – Toluca’s most dangerous player – as he zig-zagged into shooting position. Luis Romo failed to close out effectively, a major mistake as the final seconds ticked off the clock.

The offense, too, deserves some of the blame. In the second half alone, the Cementeros had four clear chances to boost their lead to 4-2. Twice, Toluca goalie Alfredo Talavera made sprawling saves on “Cabecita” Rodríguez, Elías Hernández hit the back post after chipping Talavera and defender Adrián Mora blocked a “Cabecita” header at the edge of the goalie box then cleared the rebound.

Home/Liga MX