Cruz Azul will play for its life in the 2024 Leagues Cup this weekend when it faces Philadelphia Union on the third day of the group stage of the competition. La Máquina Celeste needs a victory to guarantee its presence in the next phase of the tournament. In case of a tie, it will have to get the extra point in the penalty shootout or, if not, it will be eliminated.
In the Apertura 2024 of the Liga MX, the team led by Martín Anselmi has been, by far, the best in the competition, however, the cement workers are one bad game away from being eliminated, in a shameful manner, in the group stage.
Below we tell you how Cruz Azul will start for their important match against Philadelphia Union:
Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier: The Colombian is one of the best goalkeepers in Liga MX. He stands out for his good footwork, but he also has great reflexes and a sense of the game.
Right back: Jorge SanchezThe Mexican full-back has been heavily criticised throughout his career, but so far he has delivered for Cruz Azul. His greatest strength is his physicality and his sacrifice. Marking is what he finds most difficult, although he is better covered in a line of five.
Centre back: Willer Ditta: The Colombian defender has looked better since Piovi’s arrival at the club. Ditta has become one of the most solid central defender duos in the league.
Central defender: Gonzalo PioviThe Argentine has become one of the pillars of Anselmi’s project. He has a great start, good touch and is capable of helping his team jump lines.
Center back: Luis Romo: The versatile Mexican defender is one of the Machine’s big signings for this semester. Romo can play as a third center back or as a pivot in the middle of the field.
Left back: Carlos Rotondi: Rotondi is a vital element for Anselmi. He is the one who creates the most danger on the left flank, but he also has to sacrifice. The Argentine coach is getting the best version of his compatriot.
Central midfielder: Carlos Rodriguez: ‘Charly’ Rodríguez has been very pleased with his signing with the Máquina Celeste, since in Monterrey he seemed to be stuck due to his absence. The midfielder is a two-way player; he knows when and how to join the attack.
Central midfielder: Lorenzo Faravelli: The Argentine/Ecuadorean midfielder is the one who gives Cruz Azul balance. He can exchange positions with Romo and move his position back a little on the field.
Central midfielder: Andrés Montaño: The young midfielder showed his quality in Mazatlán, but Cruz Azul is a different animal. So far Montaño has given some examples of his talent,
Forward: Uriel Antuna: Cruz Azul needs to go out with all its arsenal from the start against Philadelphia. Antuna could return to the starting eleven to play as a forward alongside Giakoumakis and to drop to the right wing.
Forward: Giorgos Giakoumakis: The Greek striker has won over the fans in just a few games. His signing caused excitement among the Cruz Azul players and he has responded with goals in his first games. Giakoumakis will have a difficult match in which he will have to show why he was brought in as the bombshell for this tournament.
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