Published Dec 3, 3:26am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 3, 3:26am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 3, 3:26am ET
The action in the Apertura Phase of Liga MX steps up a gear this week, as the semi-finals will be staged. A fascinating showdown is set for Dec 3, as the first leg is staged. Find our Cruz Azul vs. Tigres UANL picks here.
Cruz Azul will have the home field advantage for the first leg on Wednesday. The Mexican side overcame Guadalajara in the previous round, edging to a 3-2 aggregate success.
Tigres UANL lost their previous game on the road in Liga MX, but they responded with a stunning 5-0 home win over Club Tijuana to book their spot in this stage of the competition.
|
|
|---|---|
| Cruz Azul | +152 |
| The Draw | +212 |
| Tigres UANL | +215 |
Cruz Azul will be hoping to make their home advantage count this week. The Mexican side finished third in the regular season standings, winning ten of their 17 games, and suffering just two defeats.
An excellent defensive record has been a key to their success this term, as they have allowed just 20 goals.
Their spot in the semi-finals was assured with a 3-2 win over Guadalajara earlier this week, with Carlos Rodriguez netting the dramatic winner in the seventh minute of second-half injury time.
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Tigres UANL will likely be the favored team to progress over two legs in this semi-final clash.
However, they will quickly need to put their previous away performance behind them, as they were easily beaten 3-0 on their travels by Club Tijuana last week.
But, their offensive quality eventually managed to get them over the line, beating the same rival 5-0 in the reverse clash. Juan Brunetta was the standout star in the success, netting an excellent brace.
| TOTAL | Cruz Azul | Tigres UANL | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 56 | 20 | 17 | 19 |
| Goals | 124 | 64 | 60 |
Home advantage could be crucial this week. Tigres UANL have endured their issues on the road this season, conceding 1.22 goals per game.
Meanwhile, Cruz Azul are unbeaten in their last three against their opponents. Therefore, first blood could go the way of the hosts on Wednesday.
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Pick
Cruz Azul (+152)
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