The Pumas UNAM of Costa Rican Keylor Navas, one of the best goalkeepers in the world this century, will host the América of Uruguayan striker Brian Rodríguez tomorrow in a do-or-die game in the Clausura of Mexican soccer.
The second leg of the quarterfinals of the championship will be the most anticipated game of the year so far in Mexico, between two rivals with a long-standing rivalry.
Classic of reserved prognosis
Pumas drew 3-3 last Sunday at América and will now try to take advantage of their home advantage.
And the fact that they finished better than the Azulcremas in the regular phase, which will give them a place in the semifinal, if the series ends in a draw.
With Paraguay’s Robert Morales, Brazil’s Junhino and Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla as the sparkplugs of their attack, the Pumas come into the match with high self-esteem.
After being the best team in the first stage of the championship, in which they defeated América 1-0 on date 12.
Brazilian coach Andre Jardine’s Eagles have risen time and again from injuries to key players.
And this Sunday they will be looking to do some damage with Mexican World Cup player Henry Martín and Uruguayan Brian Rodríguez, who is back after a muscular discomfort.
Although coach Efraín Juárez’s Pumas only need a draw to reach the top four, the match will be difficult to predict due to América’s skill.
The league’s winningest team with its main players used to playing crucial games.
Pachuca goes for the final blow against Toluca on the ropes
Just over two hours before that match, Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón’s Pachuca will be going all out to eliminate the champion Toluca, led by Portuguese striker Paulinho.
Pachuca defeated Toluca 1-0 in the first leg.
And, in addition to playing in their home stadium, they have the advantage that if the series ends in a draw, they will eliminate the league champions.
In other words, tomorrow Toluca must win by two goals or be eliminated.
The Tuzos will be banking on Rondón’s return from suspension.
The Venezuelan, Brazilian Kenedy and Ecuadorian Enner Valencia are key figures in the attack for Argentine coach Esteban Solari’s side, which drew 1-1 with the league champions in the regular phase.
Paulinho and Brazilian Helinho will lead the attack for Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed’s Diablos.
He is confident of confirming his team’s ability to come from behind.
As they did in midweek by beating Nashville of the MLS to qualify for the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup (Filed under: Pumas vs América).
Tigres and Cruz Azul arrive with an advantage
The Eagles have bounced bakc time and again
QuéOnnda.com
The first semifinalists of the Clausura will be defined today.
When Tigres UANL, led by Uruguayan striker Rodrigo Aguirre, will enter the stadium of Chivas de Guadalajara, whom they beat 3-1 in the first leg.
Cruz Azul will host Atlas, whom they defeated 2-3 in the first match of the series.
Tigres and Cruz Azul will qualify for the top four stage if they win, draw or lose by one goal.
With information from EFE
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