It’s set to be a fiery rematch in Mexico as Cruz Azul and Club América lock horns again this Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
The stakes? A place in the semifinals — and for Cruz Azul, a shot at revenge.
The aggregate stands at 0-0 after the first leg, but the away goals rule gives América a clear edge. If the match ends in a scoring draw, Las Águilas will fly through. And history favors them — América has eliminated Cruz Azul in their last two knockout duels and hasn’t lost to La Máquina in 9 of their last 10 meetings.
Despite a frustrating 1-0 loss to Pachuca over the weekend, América’s manager André Jardine believes his rested squad is primed for victory. On the other hand, Cruz Azul is riding a nine-game unbeaten streak under Vicente Sánchez and coming off a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Pumas.
The Mexican media leans heavily toward América, with pundits giving them up to a 70-30 advantage. But ESPN’s Francisco Gabriel de Anda praised Cruz Azul’s momentum and standout winger Carlos Rotondi — saying the team is emotionally ready for the battle.
One major concern? Cruz Azul’s striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, rumored to be eyeing a move to MLS, appears distracted at a crucial moment.
Whichever way this classic rivalry tips, fans can expect fireworks. The winner faces Tigres or LA Galaxy in the semifinal — another tie currently sitting at 0-0.
Cruz Azul vs. América. Redemption vs. Dominance.
Kickoff: Tuesday. Venue: Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Let the drama begin.
