Predicted lineup of Cruz Azul vs. America: Liga MX semifinals

Cruz Azul is still four games away from crowning one of, if not the best season in Liga MX history. But first it has to face its biggest rival América in the semi-finals.

Cruz Azul have a chance for revenge after losing to América in last season’s final, during Martín Anselmi’s first season as coach. The Argentine coach has completely transformed Cruz Azul. He took over a team that finished 16th just a year ago. Now he’s on the verge of leading the team to back-to-back Finals in his first two seasons at the helm.

After setting a new points record in the regular season, Cruz Azul received a punch in the mouth in the quarterfinals. La Máquina lost 3-0 in the first leg against Tijuana. In contrast to previous versions of the team, Anselmi’s men remained confident and were able to avoid disaster with a comfortable 3-0 win in the second leg. Thanks to their higher placement in the playoffs, they progressed.

Anselmi faces difficult decisions regarding his lineup in the first game. There are no significant injuries to worry about and Jorge Sánchez is back from serving a suspension. The main question will be in the foreground. Anselmi will have to decide whether to play with two forwards or return to the system he used for most of the regular season.

This is how Cruz Azul could play against America in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Liga MX Apertura 2024.

TK: Kevin Mier—The Colombian goalkeeper has become the best in his position in Liga MX and it won’t be long before he becomes a regular player for his national team.

CB: Willer Ditta—Ditta played every minute of the regular season and was solid. However, he had major problems in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

CB: Erik Lira—A natural central midfielder, Lira is ideally suited to building in Anselmi’s possession-based system.

CB: Gonzalo Piovi—Piovi’s left foot is a dangerous weapon for Cruz Azul to find space with long passes from defense. However, he can be exposed defensively, as was the case in the first game against Tijuana.

RWB: Ignacio Rivero– The Cruz Azul captain replaced Sánchez after he was sent off in the first game of the quarterfinals. Rivero was outstanding and should keep his spot in the lineup.

CM: Charly Rodriguez—Rodríguez sets the pace for Cruz Azul’s possession. His ability to find progressive passes has become a hallmark of Anselmi’s side.

CM: Lorenzo Faravelli—Faravelli, like Rodríguez, is instrumental in retaining possession of the ball. He has been one of Anselmi’s most trusted players since they played together for Ecuadorian team Independiente del Valle.

LWB: Rodolfo Rotondi—Rotondi was arguably the best player for Cruz Azul in their record-breaking season. He will be motivated for this clash as he caused the penalty that gave América the winning goal in last season’s final.

AM: Luis Romo—Romo played as a center back last weekend but will play as an attacking midfielder in the first leg. His versatility was exploited by Anselmi and his dangerous runs into the box can make all the difference in the game.

AM: Alexis Gutierrez—Gutiérrez thrived under Anselmi and was called up to the Mexican national team for the first time during the last international break.

ST: Giorgos Giakoumakis– The former Atlanta United center forward brings a forceful presence to Cruz Azul’s attack that was missing in the final in May. Ángel Sepúlveda will be eager to get into the game in the second half.

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