Cruz Azul vs América highlights Matchday 10 in Liga MX

Can Cruz Azul reclaim first place vs No. 1 tormentor?

The Cementeros entered the weekend atop the Liga MX table, but now trail León by 2 points after the Esmeraldas coasted to a win over UNAM.

América is coming off an impressive midweek display against Atlanta United in a Concacaf Champions League match while Cruz Azul traveled to Los Angeles only to see its Thursday game vs LAFC postponed.

Estadio Azteca ticket windows were open during the week, but Liga MX officials on Saturday afternoon declared that all remaining games would be played without fans in attendance. That should remove the pressure exerted by the local borough chief who had called for postponement before the league announced its closed-door decision.

Cruz Azul will put its 9-game unbeaten streak – and 6-game win streak – on the line against its nemesis. After a slow start to the Clausura 2020 (1-1-2), coach Robert Siboldi heard whispers that his job was on the line. The Cementeros have turned it around since then, scoring 21 goals in 7 games with Jonathan Rodríguez (8 goals) leading the way.

Elías Hernández (4 goals) and Roberto Alvarado have also been in fine form, while 39-year-old goalie Jesús Corona appears to have discovered the fountain of youth. Corona’s steady play has been boosted by several sparkling saves that have helped the Cementeros overcome a rash of injuries along the defensive line.

América coach Miguel Herrera knows what it’s like to juggle his line-up for medical reasons, but in the Aguilas’ case, the walking wounded are on the front line. América is without forwards Nico Castillo, Nicolás Benedetti, Renato Ibarra and Roger Martínez.

Herrera does have Federico Viñas up front, though, and the young Uruguayan has been providing offense for América since returning South America’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Still, the Aguilas have scored only 11 goals in 9 games.

América’s bruising defense had been shutting down opponents with Memo Ochoa slamming the door shut when called upon. The veteran keeper has 5 clean sheets on the season.

This will be a physical game with plenty of counter-attacking action. During a 7-game stretch just a few years ago, this Mexico City derby saw 5 scoreless draws. But the last time these two teams played – Oct. 5, 2019 – Cruz Azul roughed up the Aguilas 5-2. No doubt, coach Herrera would like to make up for that embarrassing result.