UNAM Pumas vs. Club America, 2014 Liguilla: Time, TV schedule and game preview

Club America will head into Wednesday’s Liguilla first leg against UNAM Pumas well aware of the Superlider Curse. They were the most recent top seed to fall victim to it, losing a thrilling quarterfinal series against Santos Laguna after finishing top of the league.

However, on that occasion, they were without some of their stars due to World Cup preparation. On this occasion, they have everyone available, and they’re looking healthy. They’re big favorites to win this series and many believe they’re the most likely team to win the tournament, but Pumas have plenty of hope.

While America had an excellent season, they were poor in the Clásicos, and nearly got swept. They lost to Cruz Azul, then Pumas, then drew Chivas Guadalajara in a horrible 0-0 match. In addition to that loss against Pumas and their clásico struggles, America have not won in their last four games and barely hung on to the top seed. Pumas, meanwhile, have won two in a row and haven’t lost in five.

Key player - Oribe Peralta (America)

Oribe Peralta has done an excellent job of replacing his national team mate Raul Jimenez, becoming America’s do-everything target man who does just as much work holding up the ball and setting up his teammates as he does scoring. America haven’t gotten much attacking production from anyone else that they’ve tried next to him up top, so they’ll need him to have a big game in the away leg.

Key matchup - America’s wingbacks vs. Pumas’ wide players

Pumas have gotten solid production out of striker Eduardo Herrera, but their most dangerous players are their attacking midfielders and wide men. America’s wingbacks will have to be willing to get back defensively to make sure the likes of Daniel Ludueña, Ismael Sosa, Javier Cortes and Dante Lopez don’t get too much space. And on the flip side, whichever two of those players start out wide will have to make sure America’s wingbacks don’t run free going forward.

Unfortunately for American users, Univision Deportes will not be providing a stream like they did for World Cup games, so you can’t watch this game online legally.

Match date/time: Wednesday, 11 p.m. ET

Venue: Estadio Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico

TV: Univision Deportes, El Rey (U.S.), Televisa 5 (Mexico)