Club America vs. Cruz Azul Prediction: Clasico Joven Semi-Finals Clash

On Wednesday we get treated to another edition of the Clasico Joven in the Liga MX playoffs as Club America hosts Cruz Azul at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. These two bitter rivals have encountered each other 41 times since 2010 across all competitions. The Aguilas possess the advantage in the head-to-head battle getting the better of their adversaries on 16 occasions versus Cruz Azul’s 12 wins. These two have remained level after 90 minutes in 13 instances with the most recent draw occurring in the 2024 Clausura playoffs. 

Andre Jardine’s men upended Toluca in their two-legged quarterfinals tie winning 4-0 on aggregate. Though Las Aguilas is one of the giants in Liga MX, knocking off the two seed was still seen as an upset by many with the regular season Club America produced in the Apertura. 

Meanwhile, Martin Anselmi’s colleagues avoided disaster picking up a 3-0 win over Tijuana, placing Cruz Azul in the semi’s. La Maquina were on the brink of elimination but as they have done all year, found a way to get the task completed once again, showing why they finished first overall in the 2024 Apertura table. 

Here, we will break down the betting odds and share our favourite picks for Club America vs. Cruz Azul.

Club America vs. Cruz Azul Betting Odds for Thursday, December 5

The books feel that both clubs will be able to breach each other’s keepers with the implied odds provided. For both teams to score, the market is priced at -134, while for both teams failing to score, the odds are listed at +100.

Club America vs. Cruz Azul Odds

The following odds are taken from bet365 Sportsbook. Use our promo code WSN365 at bet365 to claim your bonus of choice: $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets.

Club America vs. Cruz Azul Betting Preview

Club America Preview

Persevering his shutout streak in the net, Luis Malagon secured a clean sheet in consecutive displays against Toluca. Over the weekend the 27-year-old keeper stopped all five shots he faced. Between the regular season and the final phase, Malagon has six clean sheets to his account. 

Jumping into action in the second half, Henry Martin made the most of his 31-minute appearance. The 32-year-old striker found the back of the net, ensuring his team would advance to the next round. The club legend keeps on stockpiling goals to his stats as he amassed 115 goals in 280 competitive matches played since 2017.

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Cruz Azul Preview

Bagging the third and final goal in La Maquina’s 3-0 drubbing over Tijuana, Angel Sepulveda was arguably the man of the match. The 33-year-old striker appeared in 77 minutes of play, cataloging four total shots taken. The veteran forward is currently in blazing form as he has collected six goals in the last seven matches. 

Georgios Giakoumakis finally halted his goalless drought, scoring in the 54th minute against Tijuana. The Greek international snapped a four-game run without finding the back of the net. In his first season in top-flight Mexican soccer, the winger has scored seven goals and five assists in 19 games in all competitions played.

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Club America vs. Cruz Azul - My Pick

• Club America vs. Cruz Azul pick: Both teams to score yes (-134) at bet365

When it’s a derby matchup especially in the playoffs, it’s always risky to back that both clubs will hit the scoresheet. Despite the massive implications, we should see both opponents hit the mesh on Wednesday. This encounter is taking place at Cruz Azul's home pitch, they’re still listed as the away side with Club America using Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes as a temporary home. In the last six tilts that have taken place at La Maquina’s home ground, both teams were able to get on the scoreboard. Both squads have depth up front. With no shortage of attacking players on each side, this increases the chances of the wager to hit. For what it’s worth when Club America performs on Wednesdays, they play in higher-scoring affairs with 12 of their 18 games going over the total. With a showdown with Cruz Azul who can score at will, both teams are fully capable of setting off fireworks in this first-legged contest.

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How to Watch Club America vs. Cruz Azul

• When: December 5, 9 p.m ET

• Where: Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

• TV:  FOX Deportes, Univision, UniMas, Telemundo, Universo, TUDN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ and ViX+