The Liga MX Apertura quarterfinals kick off this Wednesday with a thrilling showdown between the league’s top team, Cruz Azul, and the determined underdog, Tijuana. As the playoffs begin, all eyes are on this match to see if Tijuana can defy the odds and upset the formidable Cruz Azul, who dominated the regular season. The stage is set for a memorable night of football full of high stakes and intense action.
Cruz Azul’s Impressive Season Run
Cruz Azul has been the team to beat all season, finishing comfortably in first place with an impressive 42 points. Their record speaks for itself, showcasing a team that has found a winning formula and executed it consistently.
With 13 wins, three draws, and only a single loss, their performance has been a masterclass in consistency. This solid foundation has made them the clear favorites heading into the postseason.
A key player in their attack has been Angel Sepulveda, whose knack for scoring crucial goals has often been the difference-maker. His winning goal in their last match against Monterrey is a perfect example of his impact. Combined with a rock-solid defense that gives opponents few opportunities, Cruz Azul has a balanced squad ready for any challenge.
Tijuana’s Fight for Redemption
Tijuana’s journey to the quarterfinals has been far more turbulent. After a tough penalty shootout loss to Club America, they slipped from seventh to eighth place, adding extra pressure to their playoff campaign. However, they are not a team to be underestimated.
Their recent 3-0 victory against Atlas has injected a much-needed dose of confidence into the squad. This win showed what they are capable of when they hit their stride.
Raúl Zúñiga has emerged as a critical player for Tijuana, scoring two goals in their last outing. His ability to strike early, along with contributions from players like Kevin Castañeda, gives Tijuana the offensive firepower needed to pose a real threat. The biggest question is whether they can bring that same energy against the league’s best team.
Head-to-Head History and Key Numbers
Looking back at their recent history, the odds seem to favor Cruz Azul. When these two teams last faced each other in July, Cruz Azul walked away with a dominant 3-0 victory. Tijuana will need a completely different strategy to avoid a repeat of that result.
Cruz Azul has also shown they can handle pressure, as seen in their tense draw with Tigres where they scored in stoppage time. This ability to deliver in clutch moments is vital in the playoffs.
Here is a quick look at how the two teams stack up based on their season performance:
| Team | Points | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Cruz Azul | 42 | 13 | 3 | 1 |
| Tijuana | 29 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
How to Watch the Showdown
For fans who don’t want to miss a moment of this exciting quarterfinal match, here are the viewing details. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be a fantastic game.
- Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
- Time: 10:10 PM EST
- Channel: Univision
- Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
The atmosphere is expected to be electric as these two teams battle for a spot in the semifinals.
What’s on the Line for Both Teams
For Cruz Azul, this match is about proving their regular-season dominance was no fluke. A convincing win would solidify their position as the top contender for the championship and send a strong message to the rest of the league. They are not just playing to advance; they are playing to make a statement.
On the other side, Tijuana has a golden opportunity to turn their season around. A victory over Cruz Azul would be a massive upset and could be the turning point they need to make a deep playoff run. It’s a chance to silence their critics and prove they belong among the Liga MX elite. The pressure is immense, but so is the reward.
