Liga MX is the first division of soccer in Mexico, and we are entering the tenth week of play in that league. Cruz Azul stands atop the standings, with five wins in a row and an overall record of 6-1-2 (19 points). This weekend they will visit the third-place team in the standings, Club America, who is just two points back of Cruz Azul with a record of 5-2-2 (17 points). With a home win, Club America would surpass Cruz Azul and move into first place, depending on how second-place Leon fares. However, Club America has a loss and a draw in its last two matches. Can they get another winning streak started at home? Or will Cruz Azul hold onto first place in Liga MX? Read our sports betting preview on this matchup of Mexican first division contenders before you commit to any wagers. Let’s see how the Liga MX odds will be for the America vs Cruz Azul.
America vs Cruz Azul 2020 Liga MX Game Preview & Betting Odds
- When: Sunday, March 15, 2020, 10:15 pm ET
- Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- TV: TUDN USA
- Radio: None
- Live Stream: fuboTV / UniMas
- Soccer Odds: Cruz Azul +188 / Draw +244 / Club America +144 / O/U 2.5
Why should you bet on Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul pummeled Club Tijuana in last week’s action, cruising to a 4-2 win. However, Club Tijuana is in 16th place in Liga MX, just two points clear of last-place Monterey. So the fact that Cruz Azul conceded two goals in that game could be an area of concern with a contender coming up next on the schedule. Club Tijuana actually took the early lead with a goal from Ignacio Rivera in the 21st minute. However, Cruz Azul drew level in the 41st minute with a tally from Jonathan Rodriguez, and the teams went into the locker room all square at 1-1.
After the intermission, Roberto Alvarado put the hosts up, 2-1, with a goal in the 46th minute. He completed his brace 14 minutes later, but then Erick Torres made it 3-2 with a goal for Club Tijuana just two minutes after that. Julio Cesar Dominguez gave Cruz Azul the insurance goal in the 74th minute to provide the final score. Cruz Azul possessed for two-thirds of the match and outshot Club Tijuana, 20-6 (9-2 on target). Cruz Azul was the more physical of the teams, committing 14 fouls to just 8 for Club Tijuana. Club Tijuana did score on both of their shots on target, so Cruz Azul will need to shore up that defense if they want to beat Club America at the Azteca.
Why should you put your money on Club America?
Club America also has some issues on the back line, as they conceded three goals in an away match with Pumas UNAM. Club America did end up securing a draw, in a 3-3 final score, but it took heroics in extra time. Nicolas Freire put Pumas UNAM up early, scoring in the eight minute, but Leonardo Suarez made the halftime score an even 1-1 tally, scoring in the 31st minute.
The last twenty minutes of the match turned wild. Federico Vinas put Club America up 2-1 with a goal in the 73rd minute, but then the hosts got a goal from Victor Malcorra in the 82nd minute and from Juan Ignacio Dinenno just two minutes later. Club America looked headed to a second consecutive disappointing defeat when Henry Martin Mex brought the visitors level four minutes into injury time at the end of the second half. Pumas outshot Club America 16-12 (7-6 on target) and possessed for just over half of the match. This was a match between the third- and fourth-place teams in Liga MX, with just two points separating them, so perhaps a draw was the right result. Club America will need to improve their defense, though, with Cruz Azul coming to town next.
Final Score Prediction
This will be two close matches in a row for Club America, and I expect there to be a lot of offense once again. Given that this game is in Club America’s home stadium, I see that energy tilting the game their way. I predict that they will hold on to beat Cruz Azul, 4-3.
