Toluca only lost twice in the Apertura, posting Liga MX’s second-best goal differential in the process, but one of those two losses was at the hands of Cruz Azul. The Apertura has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for La Maquina, but they’ll like their chances to advance to the semifinals based on that performance back in September.
Toluca vs. Cruz Azul: Preview and TV schedule
Two teams reasonable unaffected by Mexico’s recent trip to New Zealand kick off Liga MX’s 2013 Apertura Liguilla playoffs.
Creative commons
If Cruz Azul have a weakness heading into the game, it's probably going to be down the right wing. Mexican international star Pablo Barrera is out, while Gerardo Flores, who has played both right back and right midfield, faces a late fitness test to see if he can play. Toluca's only absence is Richard Ortiz, who started the club's first eight games at central midfield and left wingback before picking up an injury.
Toluca’s three-man defensive system is naturally a poor matchup against Cruz Azul’s fluid 4-2-3-1, with “Chaco” Cristian Gimenez drifting around behind Mariano Pavone. Toluca will probably opt to play their regular game at home, but don’t be too shocked if you see them shift to a back four at some point in this game or in the road leg mid-week.
Match date/time: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Nemesio Díez, Toluca, Mexico
TV: Univision Deportes
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