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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>The first leg ended in a scoreless draw</li><li>América will advance with a win or a draw with goals</li><li>The winner will face either Tigres or LA Galaxy in the semifinals</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'They're ready to face América' – Cruz Azul gaining confidence as Mexican media sees potential upset in CONCACAF Champions Cup clash

Liga MX

CF America

Cruz Azul

As expected, much of the Mexican media has once again labeled América as the favorite to advance past Cruz Azul and into the Champions Cup semifinals. Despite a frustrating weekend loss to Pachuca—a match manager André Jardine called "very frustrating"—Las Águilas still carry momentum and confidence. Cruz Azul, however, isn’t far behind. The team is unbeaten in nine straight matches under Vicente Sánchez, showing steady improvement and belief heading into Tuesday’s showdown.So, who has the upper hand?On Fox Sports México, the debate panel leaned heavily in favor of América. “América has more arguments to advance,” one panelist said. Former Chivas striker Rafael Márquez Lugo estimated the odds at 60-40 in favor of the defending Liga MX champs. Meanwhile, ex-Cruz Azul and Mexico international Carlos Hermosillo gave América an even wider edge—70-30—citing the away goals rule. The panel agreed that an América goal on the road would put significant pressure on Cruz Azul.Over on ESPN’s Fútbol Picante, former Chivas player and executive Francisco Gabriel de Anda praised Sánchez’s work since taking over. “He hasn’t lost in nine matches since taking over,” De Anda noted. “I liked what they did against Pumas this weekend - they’re ready to face América.” He also highlighted Cruz Azul’s current form: third place in the league standings, a solid run of results, and standout play from Carlos Rotondi, who, according to De Anda, "is playing really well and is emotionally stable."Still, not everyone is convinced. Desirée Monsivais, former striker for the Mexican women’s national team, pointed to concerns up top for Cruz Azul. “Giakoumakis seems distracted like his mind is elsewhere - perhaps already thinking about which league he’ll play in next year,” she said, referencing rumors of the Greek striker potentially returning to MLS.With two clubs heading in opposite directions on paper—but everything still to play for - it’s shaping up to be another classic installment of this storied rivalry.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cruz Azul and América square off this Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals - a match that feels like a shot at redemption for La Máquina. América has eliminated Cruz Azul in their last two knockout meetings: the Clausura 2024 Final and the Apertura 2024 semifinals. Confident and battle-tested, Las Águilas believe they can do it again. But for Cruz Azul, this one feels personal.All eyes will be on Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where tensions will be high and the stakes even higher. The aggregate score is locked at 0-0 after last week’s first leg at América’s home ground. That means any scoring draw favors Jardine’s squad due to the away goals rule. The winner will face either Tigres or LA Galaxy - who are also tied 0-0 - in the semifinal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cruz Azul hasn’t been able to beat América in recent years. Las Águilas eliminated La Máquina in the semifinals of the Apertura 2024 - a tournament in which they claimed a three-peat - and also defeated them in the Clausura 2024 Final. But that’s not all: América has only lost once in their last 10 meetings against Cruz Azul, including a 7-0 thrashing in the Apertura 2022. Can Vicente Sánchez’s team overcome all the odds stacked against them?

DID YOU KNOW?

Tuesday's match will be the second of three meetings between Las Águilas and La Máquina. With the 0-0 draw from the first leg in the books, both teams will now face off for a spot in the Champions Cup semifinals. After that, they’ll meet again on Saturday in Matchday 15 of the Clausura 2025 in Liga MX. Sánchez’s side defeated Pumas 3-2 over the weekend, while Jardine’s team lost 1-0 on the road against Pachuca - partially due to the coach rotating his lineup to rest key players and keep them fresh for tomorrow’s match.

WHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL AND AMÉRICA?

'They're ready to face América' – Cruz Azul gaining confidence as Mexican media sees potential upset in CONCACAF Champions Cup clash | Goal.com

The second leg of the quarterfinals will be played Tuesday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario

&apos;They&apos;re ready to face América&apos; – Cruz Azul gaining confidence as Mexican media sees potential upset in CONCACAF Champions Cup clash

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