Apertura 2014 leaders America face Veracruz with everything set to become the first team to earn a ticket for Liga MX's playoffs. The only thing Mohamed's men have to do is defeat the Red Sharks, something they haven't been able to do in their last meetings.
America arrive to Week 11 of the Apertura 2014 tournament as leaders, and only three points shy of mathematically assuring their presence in the playoffs. Last week, Las Aguilas destroyed Santos 4-1 at their stadium while enjoying a masterful performance by Miguel Layun, who scored all four goals for the team.
Regarding this match, Argentinian defender Paolo Goltz discarded any sign of excessive confidence in the team, since they are aware they have things to improve so they reach the next stage in top shape:
"We get there with a lot of confidence. We trust our teammates and we are pretty enthusiastic about our performances. We are confident that the weapons we possess to hurt them will click on Wednesday, taking us one step closer to the playoffs," Goltz stated.
Veracruz get to this matchup as the probable victim. Without being able to forget the relegation standings, in which they hold the fifteenth spot, Los Tiburones Rojos need to get at least one point off Azteca Stadium, where their coach Cristobal Ortega had his best nights as a player.
Ortega claims they have not prepared especially for this game, but they have been made aware of how dangerous Las Aguilas are:
"We are going to play like we are used to play. Sometimes the other team doesn't allow you to play like you want, but if we have a chance to maintain our philosophy, we will do so. If not, then we can adjust to whatever options America give us," Ortega said.
Cristobal Ortega holds the record for most matches with Club America. Remembering his younger years, Veracruz's coach still holds special feelings for his only club as a player:
"Of course, it's special for me to go there. I have great memories of that team, that's why I never wanted to be transferred. As a coach, you have to set feelings aside, and I hope I can do that when the game starts," the coach added.
Veracruz will try to climb up the standings from their current 13th spot, basing their chances in their defensive system, having only allowed eight goals throughout the tournament.
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