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Cruz Azul get their Liga MX Clausura campaign underway at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario against Atlas on Saturday. The hosts finished atop the Apertura standings but were eliminated from the final phase semi-finals. Los Rojinegros were 10th in the regular season and eliminated from the Liguilla phase.
La Maquina had seen a drop in form in the final stage of the Apertura season, recording one win in six games, losing twice. They made it to the final of the Clausura last season, losing 1-0 to arch-rivals Club America.
Atlas, meanwhile, registered one win in their last eight games in the Apertura. They drew goalless in both pre-season friendlies last month. They lost to Guadalajara on penalties and beat Tapatio in a shootout.
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Cruz Azul vs Atlas Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off 71 times since 1996, with Cruz leading 35-21.
- Their last two meetings, including the one in the Apertura campaign in November, have ended in 2-2 draws.
- La Maquina are winless in four meetings with the visitors, losing two.
- Atlas have won one of their last five away games in Liga MX, failing to score four times.
- Cruz went unbeaten at home in the Liga MX Apertura, winning seven of nine games.
- Three of their last five meetings have produced under 2.5 goals, with two clean sheets for Atlas and one for Cruz.
Cruz Azul vs Atlas Prediction
Cruz went unbeaten at home in the Apertura regular season last year. They have won one of their last six meetings against Atlas, losing three.
Captain Ignacio Rivero will play no part in the campaign opener due to suspension. Mateo Levy is nursing an injury, while Camilo Cándido and Carlos Vargas are on their way out of the club and won't feature. New signing Jesus Orozco is a doubt.
Atlas, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four meetings against Cruz, scoring twice apiece in the last three. Nonetheless, they have failed to score in six of their last eight league games.
Matías Coccaro, one of the four new signings announced ahead of the Clausura campaign, isn't match-fit and will likely have to wait for his debut.
The capital club have the home advantage, and considering their better record in the fixture, expect them to record a narrow win.
Prediction: Cruz Azul 2-1 Atlas
Cruz Azul vs Atlas Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Cruz to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the first half - Yes
Tip 4: Both teams to score - Yes
