With each passing week, it has become more clear that Cruz Azul have casted away many of our doubts. No longer being dragged by media for off-the-field issues or possible locker room arguments, Los Cementeros have been on an incredible run of form with five consecutive victories.
While Leon do seem to have shaken off their championship hangover, it’s difficult to say that they’ll be 100% ready to take on an opponent as challenging as Cruz Azul this weekend.
Leon should eventually hit the same stride that made them a championship team last season, but as for this Saturday, it’s too early to say…
It’s time to jump on the Cruz Azul hype train.
Pick:
Cruz Azul for a win against Leon ()
How to Watch Leon vs Cruz Azul
| Leon vs Cruz Azul Information |
| What |
Leon vs Cruz Azul |
| Where |
Estadio Leon (Guanajuato, Mexico) |
| When |
Saturday, February 27th at 10:00 PM ET |
| How to Watch |
Univision, TUDN |
Almost a full two months into 2021, what do we make of Leon?
No longer an overworked punching bag of a team that wasn’t sure if it was taking part in preseason or Week 5 of the new tournament, the current title-holders/sleeping giants have finally started to arise from their slumber.
A 1-0 win over Pumas last week, which just so happened to be a replay of last season’s final, was a symbolic achievement and a much-needed boost in confidence in the early point of the Clausura.
But are Leon 100% fully back? That’s tough to say. While some key players have started to find their rhythm, others like captain Luis Montes, have yet to hit the levels that made them some of the very best and impressive names in the 2020 Apertura.
And while Leon continues their slow awakening, Cruz Azul will likely prove to be too much this Saturday with their blistering pace that only seems to be getting faster.
More Names Are Beginning To Step Up In Cruz Azul’s Attack
It’s not just striker Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodriguez anymore. Once reliant on their star player, numerous others have started to look proactive in the final third.
Get ready for a long list.
Defender Juan Escobar has two goals and an assist, crucial playmaker Luis Romo has two goals and an assist, Roberto Alvarado has been brilliant with a goal and two assists in his last four games, Orbelin Pineda also has a goal and two assists in that same run, and we also can’t forget Guillermo “Pol” Fernandez with two goals in his last two games.
This is all within just seven games and without even mentioning their top goalscorer, Cabecita.
Along with their leading figure, there is no lack of attacking options up top for Cruz Azul, and if a player or two are struggling to finish their chances, a handful of others are more than capable of taking over.
Internal Complications Remain For Leon
It’s a strange time for Leon fans who seem to have no answers regarding a couple of starters who have been in and out of the XI.
Goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota, who was one of the best in his position last season, was suddenly dropped to the bench for a handful of games recently with no real explanation from the club. Striker Emanuel Gigliotti, who is unquestionably a necessary target man on top, has also been given an unexpected cold shoulder with only two starts in Leon’s six matches.
Coupled with the team’s stale start to the year, it’s fair to wonder what has been happening behind the scenes and whether the team has truly resolved most of their matters on and off the pitch.
Cruz Azul Have A Reliable Plan B In Net If Needed
Oddly enough, after hyping up what Cruz Azul could offer in the final third, the player who has arguably been their MVP so far this season is goalkeeper Jesus “Chuy” Corona.
Currently, second in the league when it comes to saves inside the box and third for all saves in general, the veteran has been invaluable for Cruz Azul when they’ve thrown too many numbers forward and allowed the opposition to take charge.
Granted, Toluca did put two past him last week during Cruz Azul’s 3-2 win, but that was the first time since November that the veteran has allowed more than a single goal to sneak past him over 90 minutes.
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