Two of Mexico’s most important teams will meet for the first leg of the Clausura 2024 final, as Cruz Azul will host Club América, which wants to retain its title, in a new remarkable edition of the Clásico Joven.
To reach this stage, the Máquina Cementera drew 2-2 on aggregate with Monterrey, making their advantage of being second in the round-robin count.
The Águilas did not have an easy series either, as they were only able to beat Chivas de Guadalajara 1-0 with a goal by Israel Reyes.
When and Where?
Thursday, May 23, 10:00 pm ET at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes
Moneyline odds:
Cruz Azul 2.47
Club América 2.7
Draw Offs:
3.4
Where can I watch it?
Univision and TUDN
Why Bet on Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul bet on the technical direction of Martín Anselmi this semester, a coach noted for his achievements at Independiente del Valle, Ecuador, but with a clear obligation to demonstrate his quality. For now, the bet has paid off for the management. The Máquina is coming off a 1-2 loss at home to Monterrey. However, the goal by Ángel Sepúlveda was enough to leave the aggregate at 2-2 and qualify by positional advantage in the round-robin.
Cruz Azul finished second with 33 points, one more than the ‘Rayados’. The team coached by Anselmi achieved ten wins, three draws, and four defeats, being the second-best defense in the championship. This club had already left Pumas on the road, and the striking thing is that they won the first leg of both matches, but always as visitors. At home, they drew one game and lost the other. In other words, there are doubts as to what they can do in front of their home fans.
The good news is that Sepúlveda was finally able to put his bad streak behind him, as he had gone 16 games without scoring. Now, they need Uriel Antuna to get back on the scoresheet, as he has six games going blank. The winger is Anselmi’s top scorer this semester, with eight goals.
Cruz Azul’s injured players for the final are Gabriel ‘Toro’ Fernández and Carlos Vargas.
Why Bet on América?
América is the current Liga MX king and has the possibility of becoming a two-time champion, as Atlas did a couple of years ago. It has been the best club in the country from start to finish but has one more test to face against Cruz Azul. The aggregate score in the series with Chivas was 1-0. The first leg in Guadalajara ended 0-0, and in the Azteca stadium, a header by Israel Reyes was enough to qualify for the phase that defines the champion.
The team coached by André Jardine has a powerful offense, with Henry Martín, Julián Quiñones, Diego Valdés, and Alejandro Zendejas, all national team players. However, these names have not weighed so heavily in the Playoffs, as they have only scored three goals in four games. Moreover, against Pachuca, they managed to get through with the advantage of finishing first in the regular season, with Quiñones being the star of the show with a goal in added time.
It has not been a good playoff for América, which although undefeated, has not been a shadow of the team it was in the regular tournament. Three ties, one win, three goals scored, and two conceded. There is no doubt that the fans are not very happy with this slump that the club has had at the most inopportune moment. In the whole season, the Águilas have only lost twice, and in the Playoffs, they have equalized in the two matches they have played as visitors.
Sebastián Cáceres and Kevin Álvarez are doubts for Jardine for this match.
Final Betting Analysis: Cruz Azul vs. América
The only meeting this semester was won by Club América by 1-0 at home, thanks to a goal by Julián Quiñones, while the last time they met at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium, the result was also favorable for América (2-3). The Águilas have four wins in a row and an unbeaten run of five matches against this team, which last won on October 31, 2021.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Cruz Azul as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 2.47, Club América has 2.7, and the draw is at 3.4.
Liga MX presents a good final, as both are the two best teams in the first phase of the championship. Cruz Azul will not take advantage of home-field advantage, as the match will end even at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium following a 1-1.
Go for a draw. If you bet $100 at 3.4, you will gain $240 for a total payout of $340.
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