Liga MX Quarterfinals: Tijuana Xolos vs. Cruz Azul

The Liga MX Apertura quarterfinals kick off with a thrilling matchup between Tijuana Xolos and Cruz Azul. This clash pits the top seed, Cruz Azul, against the eighth seed, Tijuana, setting the stage for an intense battle. Tijuana secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a dramatic play-in victory against Atlas, following a penalty shootout loss to Club America. This win is even more impressive considering their comfortable 3-0 victory against Atlas, a match where Raul Zúñiga shone with a brace and Kevin Castañeda adding another goal. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul enters the match having last played on November 9th, a 1-1 draw against Tigres, where Angel Sepulveda's late goal salvaged a point.

Team Form and Statistics

Cruz Azul finished the regular season atop the table with an impressive 42 points – 13 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss. Their dominance is evident in their league-best offensive and defensive records: 39 goals scored and only 12 conceded. Their attacking prowess is spearheaded by Angel Sepulveda (9 goals), and Carlos Rotondi (7 goals, 4 assists) adds significant flair and creativity to their game. Meanwhile, Tijuana, with 29 points (8 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses), showcased their resilience in the play-in stage but faces a significant challenge against the league leaders.

Tijuana's Strengths and Weaknesses

Juan Carlos Osorio's Tijuana has demonstrated an ability to surprise, utilizing effective, if unorthodox, tactical approaches. Their recent 3-0 victory against Atlas showcased their offensive potential, particularly with the goalscoring exploits of Raul Zúñiga and Kevin Castañeda. However, their defensive consistency remains a question mark, especially considering their matchup against Cruz Azul's formidable attack. Their recent strong home form, however, will provide a boost.

Cruz Azul's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cruz Azul's strength lies in their well-balanced squad and their high-scoring attack. Their regular season record speaks volumes of their ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. However, their recent draw against Tigres might suggest a slight dip in form, and Tijuana's surprising play-in performance cannot be overlooked. Maintaining their intensity and focus will be crucial for Cruz Azul's success.

Predicted Lineups and Key Players

Based on recent performances and form, the following are anticipated starting lineups:

• Club Tijuana (confirmed lineup): Antonio Rodriguez, Aaron Mejia, Kevin Balanta, Unai Bilbao, Rafael Fernandez, Christian Rivera, Jesus Gomez, Efrain Alvarez, Kevin Castañeda, Emanuel Reynoso, Jose Zuniga.
• Cruz Azul (confirmed lineup): Kevin Mier, Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Gonzalo Piovi, Jorge Sanchez, Luis Romo, Ignacio Rivero, Alexis Gutierrez, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi, Lorenzo Faravelli, Georgios Giakoumakis.

Jose Zuniga's form for Tijuana will be key to their chances, while Cruz Azul will rely on the goalscoring abilities of Angel Sepulveda and Carlos Rotondi to break down the Tijuana defense. The midfield battle between both teams will be a crucial aspect of the game. Both teams have players capable of creating chances from midfield, so maintaining possession will be important.

[Where to Watch and Betting Odds](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/how-watch-tijuana-vs-cruz-azul-live-stream-liga-mx-quarterfinals-tv-channel-1992702)

The match will be available on various platforms, including Fubo (with a free trial), TUDN, and DirecTV Stream. Regional restrictions may apply. Betting odds currently favor Cruz Azul to win, but the underdog status of Tijuana presents an opportunity for exciting upsets. Many bookmakers offer various betting options, including moneyline bets, over/under goals, and both teams to score (BTTS). The BTTS Yes option, at odds around -139, stands out, with both teams having the potential to find the back of the net.

The Road Ahead: Second Leg and Beyond

This first leg is just the beginning of a two-legged tie. Following this intense clash at Estadio Caliente, the teams will head to Mexico City on November 30th for the second leg, where the atmosphere promises to be just as electric. The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to the semifinals, one step closer to the coveted Liga MX Apertura title. The game's outcome will significantly impact their overall chances in the tournament, shaping the narrative for the weeks to come. This match holds monumental importance for both teams, potentially defining their entire season. It is a captivating fixture that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the tournament. The intensity and skill on display will be a spectacle for fans to witness, offering a captivating mix of excitement and strategic gameplay.