![]() They’ll have a psychological edge heading into the tie, but Santos Laguna are a far cry from the team that finished in third place in the regular season last season. They slowed down after going for 4-0 up, which is only natural. Santos Laguna took 17 shots, with nine on target, compared to Cruz Azul’s 12, with one on target. There was no doubt regarding who the better team was in this tie. Hugo Rodriguez (48’), Eduardo Aguirre (52’), and Carlos Orrantia (57’) took Cruz Azul apart in a 10-minute period that guaranteed the three points. Javier Marcelo Correa gave the home side the league in the 18th minute before going for the kill in the second half. In fact, when the two sides met in August 2022, Santos Laguna hammered Cruz Azul 4-0. Santos Laguna have got the edge in recent meetings, winning the last two matches between the two sides. Both sides have won 12 matches each and drawn five. Nothing is separating the two sides as far as head-to-head records are concerned. A draw also had rewarding odds, so the temptation to pick this result is valid, with neither team looking convincing in recent weeks. ![]() They’ve not won a league match in their last three ties, so we think this might end in a draw, with neither team getting the desired result. Their recent form has been an issue, and it feels like they’re crumbling under the pressure. Atlas are in excellent form and aren’t the only team that makes the chasing pack – Cruz Azul’s opponents, Santos Laguna, are just two points behind, and a win could see them qualify for the playoffs.Ĭruz Azul have everything in their favor, from the home advantage to the lead. They’re currently in eighth place in Liga MX, with Atlas the most likely to take their playoff spot if they don’t win this tie.Ītlas are a point behind Cruz Azul, with a far superior goal difference, so if Atlas win their final match of the season and Cruz Azul fail to win theirs, Atlas will qualify for the playoffs. Cruz Azul have everything to lose, with just one regular season game left this season. And that’s just the opponent in our way.This is arguably the biggest game of the week. We know that the intensity will be there because it’s a semifinal and that’s what it takes - it’s a knockout game. ![]() And the way that we approach this game is, ‘Hey, they’re just in our way of getting another trophy.’ “We obviously have a lot of memories going up against them. It’s a great rivalry, it still has sparks, and obviously you see a tremendous amount of respect on both sides as well.” Walker Zimmerman This will only be my second time ever playing against Mexico, so I really look forward to that competition and that challenge. “It’s always a special game when the U.S. … For this game, they’re going for the U.S.” Matt Turner and even my family in Mexico, they’re always supporting me. I’m just super excited to be in the game, super proud to be in the game as well. It’s a big game for everyone across the Pepi family. So now being in this game is going be special for me and for my family. We’re just going to prepare like we do for any other game, which is the top level of preparation.” Ricardo Pepi It’s obviously been a rival of ours, and it’s going to be a big challenge and a great game. “When we play Mexico, we’re always excited. “I’ve spoken to the boys and they’ve explained to me the backstory and recent results, and they explained how big an occasion this is.” Christian Pulisic There will be no better way to introduce myself than playing against big opposition. have a big rivalry, so I’m looking forward to it. ![]() “It’s a fantastic opportunity, not just for me, but for the team. What will Thursday's Nations League semifinal bring? □ /UZ8DcNcvim – Nations League final: US 3-2 Mexico □□ – World Cup qualifying: US 2-0 Mexico □□ It’s the second-longest unbeaten run against Mexico in team history behind only a six-match streak from 2011 to 2015. The USMNT has not lost any of its past five matches against El Tri, including wins in World Cup qualifying, the Gold Cup final and Nations League final. TV/Streaming: Paramount+ in English, Univision in Spanish USMNT unbeaten streak vs. ![]()
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