Cruz Azul
- Cruz Azul lead the Clausura Liga MX table with 26 points from 11 games (W8, D2, L1).
- Cruz Azul are on a five-match winning streak in the Clausura, conceding just three goals and scoring 11.
- They are playing the best football in Mexico right now and their manager, Nicolás Larcamón, has got them playing in a very modern way, pressing in numbers and staying compact in a 4-2-3-1.
- Midfielders Cristian Rodríguez, a defensive linchpin, and Agustín Palavecino, a creative driving force, have been outstanding this season, Palavecino with 4 goals.
- José Paradela is the most prolific man, however, with 5 goals in 11 appearances for Cruz Azul.
Mazatlán
- Mazatlán sit in 16th with 10 points and a -9 goal differential from 11 games.
- Mazatlán’s top scorer is defender Facundo Almada, with 3 goals in 11 games, and he’s a big aerial presence from corners and free-kicks.
- They have been much more defensive under the pragmatic and stabilising influence of new boss Sergio Bueno, who came in to steady the ship in January.
- They have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five league games.
- They did beat León 4-2 at home in their last match, which was a good result.
Head-to-Head
Cruz Azul have won two and drawn three of the last five head-to-head games with Mazatlán in all competitions.
Key Players
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Cruz Azul
- Cristian Rodríguez - defensive linchpin.
- Agustín Palavecino - creative driving force (4 goals this season).
- José Paradela - most prolific for Cruz Azul (5 goals in 11 appearances).
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Mazatlán
- Facundo Almada - top scorer for Mazatlán (3 goals in 11 games) and strong in the air.
- Édgar Bárcenas - experienced midfield orchestrator.
- J. Ovalle - a young forward who can finish on his day.
Betting Insights
- Cruz Azul are heavy favourites at 1.49.
- Mazatlán are a long shot at 5.9 and the draw is priced at 4.2.
- Mazatlán will likely sit deep and try to counter to frustrate Cruz Azul.
Prediction
- Cruz Azul to win and Under 3.5 goals is the main selection for the game.
- Three of the last five meetings have been draws, so expect a tight game rather than a runaway scoreline.
- A plausible result is Cruz Azul 2-0 or 2-1.
