Cruz Azul vs América - How to watch Liga MX's 'Clásico Joven'

October 30, 2021 By Oscar Rojas

Topics: Liga MX, Grita México A2021, Cruz Azul, América, TV Schedules, TV Listings

This intense Mexican top-flight rivalry could see the defending champions condemned to play the one-leg playoff stage later in the season. Don't miss this clash with our guide.

The heated rivalry between Cruz Azul and América will re-ignite on Sunday evening when these teams collide at Estadio Azteca.

The games between these teams are known for being quite unpredictable, and that is exactly why this will be a must-watch clash. If you looked at the stats as they are right now, then you'd have to choose América over La Máquina, but Cruz Azul has always found a way to motivate themselves to give their best against Las Águilas, which should result into a quite entertaining matchup.

Cruz Azul make it to this game ranked sixth in the Mexican top-flight with a record that shows four wins, eight draws, and only two losses. La Máquina seem destined to play the one-match playoff stage, but with a game in hand, things could really improve for the defending champions if they can grab three wins in their remaining games. Their last match ended in a draw against Chivas after the team conceded a last-gasp goal.

Cruz Azul will finally have a full squad to choose from ahead of this game, which could really make the difference for Juan Reynoso's team. Out of all the players at his disposal, all eyes will be on striker Jonathan Rodríguez, who has been quite a nightmare for Las Águilas in recent games. One more player to keep an eye on is Santiago Giménez, the team's top scorer with four goals and who recently made his debut with Mexico's senior squad this past Wednesday.

On the other hand, América get to this match with the ticket to the playoffs already in the bag and with a big chance to reach 40 points for the first time in more than a decade. Nevertheless, Las Águilas will not enter the pitch in high spirits after losing the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League final against Monterrey. Either way, Santiago Solari's men will want to show that they learned their lesson from that match earlier this week with a convincing result that keeps their current 6-league game streak without a loss intact.

América have quite a few players that could wreak havoc among Cruz Azul's defense, including Roger Martínez, Sebastián Córdova or Henry Martin. Nevertheless, there will be two players to keep an eye on: goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo. Ochoa's saves have been key for América throughout the season, while Fidalgo's passing accuracy and goalscoring skills could be decisive for Solari's men. In fact, Fidalgo is the team's top scorer with four goals to his name so far this campaign.

While this may seem as a pretty tight game, all of its ingredients hint at one of those matches that could really hit it off once the ref blows his whistle. Here are the main points to take under consideration to watch Cruz Azul and América lock horns this Sunday.

Cruz Azul vs América - Who's in and who's out?

Cruz Azul - No missing players.

América - Injured: Leo Suárez, Santiago Naveda, Richard Sánchez.

Cruz Azul vs América - Head-to-head stats

The last game between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw back in April 2021.
Cruz Azul enter this game on a five-game streak without a loss against América (three draws, two wins).
América have not beaten Cruz Azul since their 3-1 victory over La Máquina on May 9, 2019.
Cruz Azul striker Jonathan Rodríguez has found the back of the net in the past four games against América, being key to La Máquina's streak over their bitter foes.
Since his return to Liga MX, América's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has not been able to beat Cruz Azul.
Cruz Azul's coach Juan Reynoso will face América for the fifth time in his career. He is yet looking for his first victory against Las Águilas, with one draw and three losses against the yellow and blue team.
América's coach Santiago Solari has only faced Cruz Azul once in his coaching career. That game ended in a one-all draw earlier this year.