The Liga MX Apertura semifinal kicks off with Cruz Azul hosting Tigres. Cruz Azul secured their spot narrowly, benefiting from a missed penalty by Chivas’ Javier Hernández in the quarterfinal.
Tigres finished the regular season just above Cruz Azul, placing second compared to Cruz Azul’s third. The semifinal is set as a two-legged tie, where Tigres would advance in the event of an aggregate draw due to their higher seeding.
Tigres’ path to the semifinal was dramatic. After losing the first leg of their quarterfinal 3-0 against Tijuana, they made an impressive comeback with a 5-0 victory at home. Juan Brunetta’s brace proved decisive in ensuring their progress to the second consecutive Liguilla semifinal.
Liga MX Betting Odds Overview
According to OddsWire, Cruz Azul comes into the matchup as a slight favorite given their home advantage. The odds reflect the tight nature of this clash, with both teams exhibiting strengths and vulnerabilities. Bettors should note that Tigres showed some defensive weaknesses despite their resilience.
Prediction and Pick
Cruz Azul has historically been strong at home and will aim to capitalize early. Considering Tigres’ near-flawless home performance but vulnerable away form, the prediction leans toward a narrow victory for La Máquina. Experts suggest the final score could be Cruz Azul 2, Tigres 1.
Match Details: Where and When to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, December 3
- Venue: Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Mexico City
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Univision, TUDN, ViX, and streaming on Prime Video
This careful balance of form and seeding sets the stage for an intense encounter. The first leg outcome will likely dictate tactical approaches for the second leg, shaping the path to the Liga MX final.
Read more at: prosoccerwire.usatoday.com