Pumas vs. Cruz Azul: Liguilla Quarterfinals Preview

After quite an interesting Play-In to the Quarterfinals, Pachuca and Pumas made their way to this stage, taking Necaxa out. Now, the time has come for them to face off against the teams that got their direct spot.

For the moment, we focus on the clash between Pumas, who beat the Tuzos in penalties, and Cruz Azul, who landed the 2nd spot in the regular season after a remarkable campaign, although one marked by irregularity.

The Liguilla prepares for yet another exciting edition and, this time, two Mexico City greats face at an early stage.

When: 

Thursday, May 9th at 9:00 PM ET at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario

Moneyline odds: 

Tigres 2.796

Monterrey 2.34

Draw Offs: 

3.58

Where can I watch it? 

TUDN USA

Why Bet on Pumas?

Pumas managed to get their spot secured into the quarterfinals after beating Pachuca in a penalty shootout in their clash last Thursday, where they played visitors. They also secured their Play-In position after beating América towards the end of the regular season, so they carry great momentum against big teams.

Speaking about the felines’ regular season, they finished that stage after a five-match unbeaten streak and landing three victories in the process. Defensive solidity came into play recently for this team. In the aforementioned five games, they only conceded two goals and were also strong in front of a pretty offensive Pachuca. However, as regular in the Liga MX, controversies regarding the referring played a role at the Hidalgo.

The team got a +5 goal differential, which is positive, but also the lowest of any team in the quarterfinals.

Why Bet on Cruz Azul?

Cruz Azul comes into this match as visitors and favorites, ending the regular season on a five-match unbeaten streak as well, also adding three wins and two draws. Now, the team looks to confirm its momentum in reaching the semis.

La Maquina has been patiently waiting after they finished their season on a high note by beating Toluca and taking over the 2nd spot at the dying embers of the previous phase. That allows them to face a team qualified from the Play-In. We must mention that finishing lower in the table not only influences the odds but also implies playing more games and carrying more fatigue.

Now that they are here, Cruz Azul is looking to go to their home field and wreck their momentum, only to bring them home and finish them off later, but the team was not nearly one of the most aggressive in the top five of the scoreboard, so their great defense will be the one to shine here. 

Final Betting Analysis: Pumas vs. Cruz Azul

This is a match where Cruz Azul will try to push slowly to secure a goal, as they know they have the defense to keep Pumas at bay. However, as they are playing at home, expect the felines to stand strong and make this a fight, as they will want to get a lead before the trip to CDMX.

Both teams have secured their position this season without scoring many goals. The Maquina was especially poor in that regard, netting only 23 goals, the second-worst number in this postseason, only surpassing Queretaro (already eliminated). In addition, in their regular season encounter, they got a dull 0-0 draw with just three shots on target between the two teams.

We’ll go for another 0-0.

Go for a draw at 3.58. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $258 for a total payout of $358.

Pumas vs. Cruz Azul Betting Pick: Draw