2. Santos Laguna Vs. Club America

Sunday, 7 pm ET

In the first half of their Liguilla semifinal tie, Santos went into Estadio Azteca and stole a win at the last minute thanks to Mexico’s golden boot winner, Cristian Benitez. America were able to score a goal, but even Daniel Montenegro’s return to the lineup wasn’t enough to take a draw or a win into the second leg. America now face a stiff test in the second leg at Estadio Corona.

Why did I pick this one instead of Monterrey vs. Pumas? First of all, Pumas are likely going to be playing an extremely negative brand of football, at least by Mexican Primera standards. This game should be open and feature multiple goals. Second of all, the teams are more evenly matched.

After losing at home against a team as talented as Santos, it would be fair to say that America are at a disadvantage, but they’re certainly not out of it. Pumas found a way to eliminate Cruz Azul in a nightmare match for the Blue Machine after the favorites notched a road win, while Pachuca almost pulled off the comeback of the century in the final 20 minutes against Monterrey. Anything can happen in the Mexican Primera.

If America are going to win, Vicente Vuoso needs to up his game and Daniel Montenegro needs to be a major factor. Thursday’s match was the first one that Montenegro had played since October 31st, and the last time that Vuoso scored a meaningful goal against a quality team was October 28th against San Luis. America have plenty of quality players, but these guys are the true difference makers. They’re seemingly the only two players who have the ability to create a goal from nothing by themselves in big games. America might need a goal just like that.

Santos have the quality to put anyone away, though, and really shouldn’t be denied at home if they show up to play. Cristian Benitez is the best striker in Mexico, Darwin Quintero is a competent partner, Daniel Ludueña has a history of making ridiculous plays, Fernando Arce is a great talent in midfield, Juan Rodriguez is brilliant at protecting the back line, and Felipe Baloy is one of the best central defenders in the league. Santos are absolutely loaded and can pick apart anyone, but they have shown some tendencies to fall asleep. In the Liguilla semifinal, that probably shouldn’t happen.

Crazier things have happened than an America comeback at Estadio Corona, but Santos are probably too good to let that happen. I like a 2-1 Santos win to send them through to the final, 4-2 on aggregate.