Juarez vs. Cruz Azul Prediction: La Maquina Looks To Get Back To Winning Ways

Saturday evening Juarez will host Cruz Azul at Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in round two of the 2025 Clausura. In the previous term these two opponents back in October saw La Maquina drill Los Bravos 4-0. In their previous 12 clashes, the head-to-head battle has been one-sided with Cruz Azul winning on nine occasions versus Juarez’ one. In two instances both sides have shared the points with the most recent draw occurring almost one year ago. 

Martin Varini’s men opened the 2025 Clausura campaign, acquiring a road point against Mazatlán. Juarez controlled most of the first half looking primed for all three points but in the second half, the team’s play declined, settling for a 1-1 draw. 

Meanwhile, Martíin Anselmi’s troops started the year off on the wrong foot, failing to capture a victory at home in the season opener. Cruz Azul and Atlas F.C. established a 1-1 draw that saw the hosts finishing with an x.G of 1.40 and retaining 66 percent of the ball possession but stalled on their scoring attempts. 

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

Juarez vs. Cruz Azul Betting Odds for Saturday, January 18

This weekend's tilt sees the visitors listed as the favourites to walk away with all three points. Cruz Azul are priced at -163 in the moneyline three-way market while the hosts Juarez, are penned down at +425. If both teams remain level after the final whistle, the draw is set down at +260.

Juarez 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.

Juarez vs. Cruz Azul Betting Preview

Juarez Preview

Dieter Villalpando was last week’s lone goal scorer for his side's 1-1 draw. The midfielder's tally was his second career goal in a Juarez kit in his 36th appearance with the club. Last week the 33-year-old went 48-for-53 in accurate passes, finishing with a 91 percent success rate.

Obtaining an assist last weekend, Oscar Estupinan appeared for the full 90-minute shift that saw him attempt two shots toward the target. The 28-year-old striker showed no struggles adjusting to his first season in top-flight Mexican soccer, as he found the back of the net on seven occasions in 12 matches played in the 2024 Apertura.

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Cruz Azul Preview

La Maquina's big winter acquisition on the backend Jesus Orozco failed to see any action on the pitch. Hoping to get his debut in sooner rather than later, the center-back will be counted on to keep the defence from breaking as the season progresses. With his previous employer, Chivas, he suited up in 101 outings and has represented his country of Mexico in four instances.

Bagging Cruz Azul’s only goal last weekend was none other than Angel Sepulveda. The 33-year-old scored from the spot kick area in the 35th minute, scoring his 20th career goal in a Los Celestes kit across all competitions. In his 90-minute outing against Atlas F.C., the striker totalled three shots with two reaching the target.

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Juarez vs. Cruz Azul - My Pick

• Juarez vs. Cruz Azul pick: Cruz Azul moneyline 3-way (-163) at bet365

Backing a visiting favourite can be a tad tricky but we feel in this situational spot Cruz Azul has more than it takes to get the job done on the road. In the previous tournament, Cruz Azul managed to win six of their eight away trips. La Maquina hasn’t lost to Juarez in their previous six meetings, which includes four victories in that span. Top-to-bottom Cruz Azul should outclass their counterparts on Saturday, as they possess a superior roster with loads of talent. Cruz Azul will be one of the favourites to claim the 2025 Clausura title, getting them at this price to win will be rare throughout the campaign, so we are taking advantage by backing the away side.

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How to Watch Juarez vs. Cruz Azul

• When: January 18, 10 p.m ET

• Where: Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez

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