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Liguilla Preview: Cruz Azul vs. Atlante
In the start of the semifinal series, the Cementeros will look to make the most of their home field and continue to ride the wave of their good form against visiting Atlante.
Dec 2, 2008 5:16:17 PM
Who: Cruz Azul vs. Atlante
What: Apertura 2008 Semifinals, First Leg
When: Wednesday, December 3 , 2008
7 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m. ET
Where: Estadio Azul, México D.F., México
The Cementeros of Cruz Azul have revenge on their mind when they receive Atlante this Wednesday to kick-off the semifinals of the Apertura 2008.
It was one year ago in the Apertura 2007 that the Potros of Atlante eliminated Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals, and ended up as eventual Champions of the competition.
However, Cruz Azul defeated Atlante in the previous semifinal series they disputed in the Invierno 1997. On that occasion, La Máquina took home their last title.
In week 8 of the Torneo Apertura 2008, Cruz Azul and Atlante played to a 1-1 draw in Cancún.
Cruz Azul
La Máquina Celeste capitalized on their positive form when they defied all odds and convincingly eliminated Pumas in the quarterfinal round by a 3-1 aggregate score.
Vital to their series victory was the great balance and performance of all their lines, who managed to deal with the pressure of being in disadvantage and earning an away victory to advance.
Despite receiving an early goal, goalkeeper Yosgart Gutiérrez had many positive interventions and exerted confidence. Also, defender Joaquín Beltrán delivered a great performance that maintained the defensive order.
In the midfield, they benefit from great ball circulation and the leadership of captain Gerardo Torrado and Paraguayan Christian Riveros. Up top, forwards Miguel Sabah and César Villaluz, found the back of the net at the right moment which will be crucial for any advantage in the semifinal series.
Coach Benjamín Galindo featured and scored for Cruz Azul in their semifinal victory over Atlante 11 years ago. Galindo knows that in order to repeat the doses and dispute their second consecutive final, they have to make the most of their first leg home match.
Atlante
Unlike Cruz Azul who clearly won their series, the Potros de Hierro of Atlante suffered more than expected against Tigres.
Atlante benefited from a better position in the general table to advance to the semifinal round after their 2-2 aggregate result in the quarterfinals.
The tactical battle between coach José Guadalupe Cruz and his Tigres counterpart, Manuel Lapuente, played a big factor in the overall parity of their quarterfinal series. Both sides managed to effectively nullify each other, which greatly hindered the Potros from displaying their touching and attacking game.
Still, Atlante counts with individually talented players in their ranks. Former Cementero Gabriel Pereyra, will be anxious to deliver a good performance against his former team, and if he teams up with youngster Christian ‘Hobbit’ Bermúdez, they will prove to be a handful for Cruz Azul.
After an ambivalent season, forward Luis Gabriel Rey, has found a consistency in the past weeks and will be in charge to carry the goal scoring burden, especially since Venezuelan striker, Giancarlo Maldonado, has not fully recovered his form after a long injury layoff.
Under the three posts, goalkeeper Federico Vilar will have to deal with Cruz Azul’s firing squad. The Argentine captain is always a guarantee, but he will have to step-in and help organize a defense that was shaky against Tigres.
The Match
In the past years, this match-up has delivered intense and entertaining encounters and on this occasion there is no exception.
Both 'El Profe' Cruz and 'Maestro' Galindo are young Mexican coaches who are always committed to respect their rivals while maintaining an offensive formation.
Cruz Azul will maintain a cautious stance at home that is focused on ball possession, and will only attack after a carefully thought out play. However, they have to take an advantage from the first leg and must not be too conservative, or else they will forced again to find the result in the return leg at Cancún, where Atlante is almost invincible.
The Potros will not be as pressured to look for a positive result in the first leg, which will allow them to exploit any spaces relinquished by Cruz Azul with their full attacking prowess. Atlante had good numbers during the regular season, but the Liguilla is a separate tournament and in order to reach the final they will have to correct the minor details that caused them problems in the first phase of the playoffs.
-- César García covers México for Goal.com.
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