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Cruz Azul lock horns against Mazatlan in the Leagues Cup round of 16 on Tuesday. Azul, the 2019 champions, are playing in the competition for the third time and were eliminated from the round of 32 last season.
The 2019 winners overcame Orlando City on penalties in the round of 32 last week after the match ended goalless in regulation time. Interestingly, all three of their games in the competition have been decided on penalties.
Cañoneros booked their place in the round of 16 with a 2-1 win over DC United last week. Édgar Bárcenas and Brian Rubio scored in the first half after United were reduced to 10 men in the 27th minute as Jared Stroud was shown a direct red card.
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Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off nine times in all competitions since 2020. Azul have the upper hand in these meetings with five wins. Cañoneros have two wins to their name and two games have ended in draws.
- They last met in the Liga MX Apertura campaign opener last month, with Azul recording a 1-0 win. They have won their two meetings against Mazatlan in 2024.
- La Máquina have suffered just one loss in seven competitive games this season while recording four wins.
- Azul's last five games in the Leagues Cup have been decided on penalties with three wins and two losses.
- Cañoneros have won four of their six games in the Leagues Cup while suffering two defeats. They have failed to score in just one match in that period and have kept just one clean sheet.
Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan Prediction
La Máquina have been in good touch this season, suffering just one loss in seven games. They have kept five clean sheets in that period and will look to build on that form. They are unbeaten in their last three meetings against Cañoneros and are strong favorites.
The Gunners had endured a winless run in their first five games of the season but have bounced back well in the Leagues Cup, recording two consecutive wins while scoring two goals in both.
Considering La Maquina's better record in this fixture and experience in the Leagues Cup, they are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Cruz Azul 2-1 Mazatlan
Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Cruz Azul 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 second half - Yes
Tip 4: Carlos Rotondi to score or assist any time - Yes
