Can Reynoso inspire Cruz Azul to victory?
New Cruz Azul coach Juan Reynoso hopes his Cementeros can climb out of the doldrums in time for their next game, a date with the team that fired the Peruvian a month ago. The slumping Cementeros get a visit from Puebla, the team Reynoso managed for nearly three seasons before being unceremoniously canned less than two weeks after leading the Camoteros to a huge playoff upset of Monterrey.
In the season opener, Cruz Azul showed little imagination on offense and was ineffective with the ball. Their pass completion rate was very poor (72%) so sustained possession was rare and they only got 2 shots on goal all game, neither much of a test for Carlos Acevedo. Winger Roberto Acevedo was particularly disappointing. His game seems to be regressing since earning his first call-up to El Tri in September 2018.
The last time Puebla defeated Cruz Azul at Estadio Azteca was on Matchday 14 in the Apertura 2016 (1-2).
Down to the wire
As of Thursday night, J.J. Macías had yet to be cleared to play in the Chivas’ home opener on Saturday. The striker contracted the coronavirus before Matchday 1 and tested positive again early this week. Macías was awaiting the latest test results when this article was submitted.
Newcomer to watch
Juan Otero, a 25-year-old winger, had a smashing debut for Santos Laguna in the Guerreros’ 1-0 win over visiting Cruz Azul. Otero was very effective in the pressing tactics favored by coach Guillermo Aldama and he played a part in the build-up that led to the only goal of the game against the Cementeros. The Colombian spent the past three seasons with Amiens in Ligue 1. This weekend, he and the Guerreros will host the Tigres in Sunday’s marquee match-up.
Liga MX Debutantes
UNAM handed a Liga MX debut to Ángel García, a 20-year-old midfielder. García was one of four Pumas products to start in the club’s scoreless match in Tijuana. As a former director of the UNAM academy, coach Andrés Lillini is quite familiar with those coming up through the Pumas system and has expressed confidence in the youngsters.
Chivas coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich also handed out a debut as late-bloomer Sergio Flores made his first Liga MX appearance against Puebla, coming in at minute 86. Flores, 25, has spent the past 5 years in second division, most recently with Guadalajara’s Liga de Expansión farm team, CD Tapatío.
Tickets available
Aguascalientes state officials granted Necaxa permission to open up 30% of Estadio Victoria for fans. The Friday night match between the host Rayos and Atlético de San Luis was the second Liga MX game this season with fans in attendance. Ten-man Necaxa won 1-0 thanks to a late penalty kick by Ian González, while Pablo Barrera flubbed a San Luis PK in minute 90+7. Last week, Mazatlán FC defeated visiting Necaxa 3-2 at “El Kraken” with attendance at 40% capacity.