Semifinal Preview: Cruz Azul vs. Morelia

Cruz Azul and Morelia will square off in one semifinal of the Mexican Liguilla.

Nov 30, 2009 9:36:02 AM

More On :  Cruz Azul, Morelia
Gerardo Lugo- Cruz Azul (Mexsport)
Cruz Azul and Morelia will do battle over two legs to see who reaches the Apertura 2009 final. The first leg will be played on Wednesday in Estadio Morelos with the second leg Saturday in Estadio Azul.

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.
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Regular-season 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.

Liguilla 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.


Liguilla update: Cruz Azul had a strange series against Puebla. The first half of the first leg - essentially the first quarter of the series - went disastrous as Puebla scored four goals. From then on, though, Cruz Azul were in control. Jaime Lozano's dive may have initiated that while causing Puebla to fall apart but Cruz Azul set the tone at home from the start and ousted Puebla with a not-as-close-as-the-score-would-indicate victory, a 3-2 decision over Puebla.

Semifinal outlook: Morelia will be a tough team, but any of the two other teams would have been difficult too. Cruz Azul have home-field advantage as the second leg will be played in Estadio Azul. What the club must hope is that former striker Miguel Sabah has no ill memories of his time with Cruz Azul and won't be looking to enact some revenge on his former team. Cruz Azul need only to hope an already talented and dangerous player does not enter the series with even more motivation to succeed.

MORELIA

Record: 10-4-3, 33 points. Goals scored: 31. Goals allowed: 15.

Key Players:  Aldo Leao Ramirez, Hugo Droguett, Luis Gabriel Rey, Miguel Sabah

Regular-season update: Morelia kept consistent through out the regular tournament. The missing link that Morelia needed came during the off season. The signing of Luis Gabriel Rey has done wonders to Morelia. Las Monarcas had only four losses in the season but they were not embarrassing ones. The team boasted the third best attack in the league with 31 goals in the season. Morelia also qualified with the best defense which only allowed 15 goals in 17 games.

Liguilla outlook: Morelia will get past San Luis with ease. This team has enough to make it to the final but will fall short in the semis.  

Liguilla update: Morelia lost their first game, a 2-1 setback at Santos. But the club vowed to give a different effort at home and followed through, destroying Santos 3-0 in the decisive second leg. Morelia made their home-field advantage pay off as Miguel Sabah led the charge.

Semifinal outlook: Morelia will find the going tough in Estadio Azul. Thus, the club must do well in Michoacan before heading to the capital. Each team won six games at home this season, so the one to falter at home will likely be the one who crashes out.

Regular-season meeting: Morelia's only home loss this season was to Cruz Azul. La Maquina charged into Estadio Morelos on Aug. 30 and pulled out a 3-0 win. Gerardo Lugo and Alejandro Vela scored in the final 20 minutes to help Cruz Azul pile on the rout.
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