Jan 9, 2011

Cruz Azul - Estudiantes Tecos

Football, Mexico Primera Division, Clausura

Cruz Azul are still known as the 'Almost team', as they somehow manage to drown at the end of the road (usually in a final) after a great run until then. Apertura 2008, Clausura 2008 and 2009, CONCACAF Champions League 2010... in all of these competitions, they failed in the Final. Last year, in the Apertura 2010 was the same story. They topped the league table after the regular season, and were showing great football, scoring a lot of goals and being very pleasant to watch. But the same mental breakdown happened in the play-offs, as they surprisingly lost in the quarter finals against Pumas. So they have to start all over again in this Clausura. The good thing is that they kept Meza as a coach. He really worked wonders with the team, and they improved a lot with him at the helm. So now, he can continue his work, and I'm sure that in 2011 we'll see the same impressive Cruz Azul as last year. They have also kept all of their important players, so if they beat their mental problems, this could be their year. Tecos were awful in Apertura, finishing the league second from bottom, with the most dreadful defense (36 goals conceded in 17 matches). They tried to strengthen their squad during the break, but they only focused on the midfield and offense, leaving the defense just as wide open as last year. They also have a new coach, so maybe there will be some positive effect in the squad. Wanted to take the handicap on Cruz Azul, but this being the first match of the year, Tecos might surprise a bit. Still, 2-3 goals for Cruz Azul should be a lock, and the odds for over 2.5 are good enough to be taken. GL!

over 2.5 goals @ 1.93, 3/10
Result: 4-1, WON

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