It’s halftime at Estadio Azul and while Cruz Azul will go through if the score stays where it is, they find themselves in world of trouble going into the second half. They were outplayed for the entirety of the 45 minutes, were forced into two substitutions because of fitness concerns, and have had a man sent off.
Cruz Azul vs. Pumas de la U.N.A.M: The Blue Machine Is In Big Trouble
The red card was shown to Horacio Cervantes for a second yellow in the 42nd minute that could have been a straight red. After entering into a questionable tackle, the defender raked his studs along the head of a Pumas player, making the referee’s decision very easy. Cristian Gimenez protested and received a yellow card for dissent, but it’s hard to imagine what complaint he could have possibly had with the decision.
Gerardo Torrado and Alejandro Vela were the two players subbed off and were replaced by Gonzalo Pineda and Javier Aquino in what were essentially straight swaps. This leaves Cruz Azul with a central defender sent off and only one substitution available.
Pumas have assaulted the Cruz Azul goal all half, registering six shots on target. Goalkeeper Jesus Corona and the Cruz Azul defense have done very well to keep Pumas from scoring a second goal.
Despite their current advantage, Pumas have to be considered favorites to outscore Cruz Azul in the second half of the match, thanks to Cruz Azul’s red card and two substitutions.
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