defending champion Cruz Azul of Mexican soccer will host LAFC (Los Angeles FC) of MLS tomorrow, confident of achieving the miracle of winning by a landslide to advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Coached by Argentine Nicolás Larcamón, the Azules were humiliated last Tuesday in their visit to the Americans, who beat them 3-0 with two goals from Venezuela’s David Martínez and one from Korea’s Son Heung Min.
Cruz Azul on the ropes
In addition to losing by three goals, Cruz Azul failed to score away against LAFC.
A decisive criterion in case the series is tied, which means that if the rivals score once tomorrow, the Mexicans will need five goals to stay alive in the tournament.
Led by Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, coach Marc Dos Santos’ Americans will have everything going for them.
Ready to take advantage of the spaces that Cruz Azul may leave in their eagerness to attack.
The Los Angeles team shows the most secure defense of the MLS season.
This Tuesday they will be looking to confirm this against an opponent that has gone six games without a win, four in the league tournament and two in CONCACAF.
Focusing on defensive order
Larcamón’s first idea is not to allow goals.
From there, Cruz Azul will bet on a miracle with LAFC.
A team that has not scored more than one goal in a game since March 14 in a 2-2 draw with Pumas UNAM in the Clausura tournament.
Argentina’s Agustín Palavecino and José Paradela and Uruguay’s Gabriel Fernández will be the offensive sparkplugs for the Mexicans in their toughest match so far this year.
The winner of the series will face the better of Toluca and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the semifinal, a series that is 4-2 in favor of the Mexicans.
Los Azules were humiliated last Tuesday
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Probable lineups
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier; Gonzalo Piovi, Erik Lira, Willer Ditta, Omar Campos, Jorge Rodarte; Jéremy Márquez, Carlos Rodríguez, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela; Gabriel Fernández. Coach. Nicolás Larcamón.
Los Angeles FC: Hugo Lloris; Nkosi Tafari, Ryan Porteous, Eddie Segura, Sergi Palencia; David Martinez, Mark Delgado, Mathieu Choiniere; Son Heung Min, Denis Bouanga, Timhoty Tillman. Coach: Marc Dos Santos.
Referee: To be designated.
Stadium: Cuauhtémoc, in Puebla, central Mexico.
Time: 19.00 (01.00 GMT).
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
