Cruz Azul vs Atlas Prediction: Duel for the Spot in the Quarterfinals

In the upcoming fixture of the Liga Mexico, teams will be looking to clinch a win and make their way to the next round of the competition, where they will be facing off giants of the game. For the upcoming matchup Cruz Azul is likely to miss out on Rafael Baca, whereas Atlas will have to leave out Julio Cesar due to the red card suspension. The inclusion of Idekel Dominguez and Edison Flores is also doubtful due to knee and back injuries. The last time these two teams took on each other in February 2023; Cruz Azul won (1-0) at home. Continue reading to find out more about the upcoming matchup and possible outcomes. 

Cruz Azul - Coming off a Fantastic Win Against Santos Laguna (WLLDW)

Going in the matchup, Cruz Azul is coming off a terrific performance in a pressure match against Santos Laguna (3-2), in which Augusto Lotti, Rodrigo Huescas, and Uriel Antuna scored goals. With Cruz Azul getting the lost pace and consistency back, they will be eying for a comprehensive performance against Atlas as well. With 60% ball possession and 5 shots on target, Cruz Azul’s performance was spot-on against Santos. However, Cruz Azul has lost two of its last five matches but has delivered when it was required. With a shift of momentum from the last match, Cruz Azul will be hoping to play with a comprehensive strategy. With 7 goals scored in the last five matches, Cruz Azul averages 1.40 goals per game. Against the scoring average, Cruz Azul has also conceded 7 goals. Cruz Azul will have to improve its conceding average, as it has allowed 2 or more goals in the last three consecutive fixtures. 

Expected Opening Lineup for Cruz Azul

Jesús Corona; Rodrigo Huescas, Juan Escobar, Ramiro Funes Mori, Julio Cesar Domínguez, Ignacio Rivero; Uriel Antuna, Carlos Rodríguez, Erik Lira, Carlos Rotondi; Augusto Lotti.

Atlas - Moving Forward with an Unbeaten Match Form (DWWDD)

Going in the matchup, Atlas is coming off a goalless draw against Atletico de San Luis (0-0), in which Atlas did dominate the second half of play but was unable to secure a goal. With Julio Cesar sent off in the 37th minute, Atlas had to change its strategy and play sensibly with a player short. Atlas had just 38% possession and 8 shots on target compared to San Luis’ 17 shots. With 2 wins and 3 draws in the last five matches played, Atlas will be hoping for a seamless win against Cruz Azul. Much will depend on the likes of Jonathan Herrera, Julian Quinones, and Carlos Robles. Talking about the scoring average, Atlas has scored 10 goals in the last 5 matches, averaging 2.00 goals per game. Therefore, I am expecting Atlas to score 2 or even more goals against Cruz Azul in tomorrow’s outing.

Expected Opening Lineup for Atlas

Camilo Vargas; Diego Barbosa, Hugo Nervo, Gaddi Aguirre, Luis Reyes; Jonathan Herrera, Jeremy Márquez, Aldo Rocha, Brian Lozano; Mauro Manotas, Julián Quiñones.

Expert Betting Tips

Atlas has ended the regular season with three wins and three draws in the last six matches played. Moreover, Atlas has just been defeated in the last eight away matches. Hence, Atlas will be starting as the favorite; However, the home side will be looking to repeat previous performances. Atlas has allowed goals in the last five matches; therefore, I believe Cruz Azul is likely to score a goal as well. The match total is predicted to be a shade over 2.5 goals, and both sides to score. 

• Atlas to Win for 3.75
• Total Over 2.5 for 2.13
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.89