Cruz Azul vs. Pumas: Liguilla Quarterfinals Preview

A place in the Liga MX semifinals is up for grabs, and for now, Cruz Azul looks like the main candidate, but Pumas will try to pull off a miracle away from home. 

The first leg was favorable for the Máquina Cementera as visitors, who showed its credentials by winning 0-2 at the Olímpico Universitario stadium. The goals were by José Rivero and Lorenzo Faravelli. 

When and Where?

Sunday, May 12, 9:00 pm ET at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes 

Moneyline odds: 

Cruz Azul 1.86 

Pumas 3.82

Draw Offs: 

3.76 

Where can I watch it? 

Univision 

Why Bet on Cruz Azul?

Cruz Azul is a team with power, and this semester has left its ghosts and fears behind, making it a serious candidate to be champion again in Mexico. In the first leg, they showed a solid version, controlling the rival attack and scoring twice.

With 14 goals conceded in 18 matches, the Máquina is the second-best defense in the championship, only surpassed by América, who took first place in the round-robin. Furthermore, at home, this team has only conceded points in three matches, losing twice and drawing once. They are a remarkable local team. 

Despite not scoring in the first leg, striker Uriel Antuna has been their most important player, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. Another fact to consider with this team is that they are seven games unbeaten, winning five of them. 

Coach Martín Anselmi has two confirmed absentees for this match: Gabriel Fernández and Carlos Vargas, who will not return this semester. 

Why Bet on Pumas?

Pumas qualified for the quarterfinals of Liga MX thanks to a good run in the final stretch of the round-robin competition, but there are doubts as to whether this squad is up to this level. 

The Felinos have just lost 2-0 at home to Cruz Azul, their first defeat in front of their home fans this semester. They fell at the most painful moment because they have not had good away results, as they have only won once, and that was 4-0 against Mazatlán, one of the worst teams in the league. 

In the Play-In, this team beat Pachuca, but from the penalty spot. Now they need to score goals, considering they have only scored nine times in away games. The hope for this team lies in the performance of its most important player, César Huerta, who has ten goals and nine assists. He is by far the most decisive player in the squad. 

Coach Gustavo Lema only has defender Ricardo Galindo as a doubt. 

Final Betting Analysis: Cruz Azul vs. Pumas

These two institutions have played two matches this semester: they drew 0-0, and the other game ended in a 2-0 win for Cruz Azul, both with Pumas as the home team. The last time they played at the Cementeros stadium, in October last year, the Felinos won 1-4 with a brace from Huerta. 

The numbers at MyBookie.ag have Cruz Azul as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 1.86, Pumas has 3.82, and the draw is at 3.76. 

Cruz Azul has proven to be a formidable team in Liga MX, especially in terms of their ability to defend. Their good performance will allow them to advance to the next round, thanks to a 1-0 win.

Go for a win for Cruz Azul. If you bet $100 at 1.82, you will gain $82 for a total payout of $182. 

Cruz Azul vs. Pumas Betting Pick: Cruz Azul

Gambyl Nation Editorial Team Staff Writer

The Gambyl Nation Editorial team are made up of industry betting professionals and sports fans from across North America, Latin America and South America.

See Full Bio