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Cruz Azul host Monterrey at the Estadio Cuidad de los Deportes on Sunday for the second leg of their Liga MX Clausura semi-finals, looking to build on their narrow advantage and reach the finals.
The Cement Makers secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg on Thursday, with Carlos Rotondi netting the only goal of the game in the 34th minute. Despite having only 41% of possession, Martín Anselmi's side mustered five shots on target and scored a goal, demonstrating their efficiency on the ball.
A draw at home would be enough for them to reach the finals as Monterrey face a Herculean task in Mexico City on Sunday, with Cruz Azul unbeaten in their last four home matches in all competitions.
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Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Head-To-Head
There have been 72 clashes between the sides in the past, with Cruz Azul winning 32 times over Monterrey and losing on 20 occasions. The Sky-Blues have won their last three encounters with Monterrey after going the previous nine without a win. But Monterrey have lost just one of their last six away games to Cruz Azul, although that defeat came on their most recent visit there (April 2024).
Cruz Azul Form Guide in all competitions: W-D-W-W-D
Monterrey Form Guide in all competitions: L-D-W-L-W
Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Team News
Cruz Azul
The Machines will be without Gabriel Fernandez, who sustained a cruciate ligament injury in February.
Injured: Gabriel Fernandez
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Monterrey
The Striped One have a clean bill of health going into the fixture, with head coach Fernando Ortiz having all his key players available for selection.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Predicted XI
Cruz Azul (3-1-4-2): Kevin Mier; Érik Lira, Carlos Salcedo, Gonzalo Piovi; Carlos Rodríguez; Rodrigo Huescas, Carlos Rotondi, Lorenzo Faravelli, Alexis Gutiérrez; Uriel Antuna, Ángel Sepúlveda
Monterrey (4-4-2): Esteban Andrada; Stefan Medina, Victor Guzman, Sebastian Vegas, Gerardo Arteaga; Luis Romo, Jorge Rodriguez; Maximiliano Meza, Sergio Canales, Jesus Gallardo; German Berterame
Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Prediction
Cruz Azul have turned their fortunes around in the fixture lately, beating Monterrey in their last three encounters. The side also have a 1-0 advantage in the tie, and playing at home will give them a lot of momentum. It will be a close match, but the hosts should emerge victorious.
Prediction: Cruz Azul 2-1 Monterrey
