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Liguilla Preview: Cruz Azul vs. Puebla
Cruz Azul and Puebla were each a bit of a surprise in their own rights during the Apertura 2009 season. Now, the clubs will face off with the survivor continuing along their path for glory.
Nov 19, 2009 9:16:47 AM
Nonetheless, their paths will cross in the quarterfinals of the Apertura 2009 Liguilla. Puebla are trying to reach their second consecutive semifinals while la Maquina are trying to get back to the final, a feat they accomplished twice in 2008.
CRUZ AZUL
Record: 11-6-0, 33 points. Goals scored: 35. Goals allowed: 19.
Key players: Emanuel Villa, Gerardo Torrado, Jaime Lozano, Jose de Jesus Corona.
Update: Cruz Azul went from a terrible, down-and-out club to a serious contender for the championship in one season. After finishing at the bottom of the regular-season standings for the first time in club history, Cruz Azul reached out for help and found it in the form of Enrique Meza. The veteran manager stabilized what was a solid base of talent and added several key pieces, notably Villa and Corona. Villa led the league in goals with 17 while Corona provided stability at the goalkeeping position. Also, the resurgence of Jaime Lozano and the tough-as-nails play from Gerardo Torrado were also key elements in Cruz Azul's success.
Outlook: Cruz Azul's fate seemingly feels it has more to do with breaking a curse than anything else. Not since 1997 have Cruz Azul tasted domestic glory, and with every passing season that weight and burden grows heavier. If Meza can help the club overcome their mental setbacks, Cruz Azul could go reach their third final in the last four seasons - and might actually win it this time.
PUEBLA
Record: 6-3-8, 26 points. Goals for: 19. Goals against: 19.
Key players: Carlos Ruiz, Luis Miguel Noriega, Sergio Perez, Jared Borgetti
Update: Puebla carried an unbeaten streak for the first nine Jornadas of the Apertura. That did not make them good though. In those nine games Puebla tied 6 times and won only three. Puebla only allowed 19 goals in regular season which puts them amongst the best defensive teams in the league. La Franja struggled when they faced the two top teams at the end of the season. They were embarrassed 4-0 by Cruz Azul and Toluca easily scored two against them.
Outlook: Things don’t look good for Puebla. They have to face Cruz Azul in the first round. Expect an early exit by Puebla, Cruz Azul will be too much for the Franja.
Apertura 2009 meeting: When the clubs met in Jornada 16 action, Puebla showed they did not belong on the same field as Cruz Azul. La Maquina demolished Puebla, 4-0, in Estadio Azul.
Sylvestre Adame and Luis Bueno, Goal.com
For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura playoffs, visit Goal.com.
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