LIGA MX
Who are the key players to watch out for in América vs Cruz Azul?
This weekend in the Liga MX, Mexico City rivals Club América and Cruz Azul face off in the pick of the Clausura 2023 fixtures.
On Saturday, Club América and Cruz Azul go head to head at the Estadio Azteca, in a Mexico City derby that’s one of the most eagerly-anticipated clashes of the Liga MX’s Clausura 2023 tournament. Ahead of the week-15 meeting, we take a look at some of the game’s potential match winners.
Luis Malagón, Club América
Goalkeeper Malagón is a key figure in Fernando Ortiz’s América side. The 26-year-old has shown himself to be a thoroughly dependable custodian, displaying lightning-quick reflexes and proving unflappable when dealing with high balls.
In Las Águilas’ most recent game, against regular-season leaders Monterrey, Malagón made several crucial stops to help his team secure a 2-1 win. Most significantly, he saved a last-minute Joao Rojas penalty to prevent Monterrey from snatching a draw. If América are to come out on top this weekend, their keeper will very likely have a key role to play in that.
Henry Martín, Club América
Martín is another important player for América. With 12 goals so far, he is the top scorer in the Clausura 2023 and will look to consolidate his position at the head of the goal charts. Martín was last on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with Club León in week 13, and averages a goal every 97.08 minutes. Cruz Azul’s defence will have to be on their mettle against the 30-year-old.
Carlos Rodríguez, Cruz Azul
When it comes to Cruz Azul’s stand-out individuals, Rodríguez is certainly one to watch out for. The midfielder has shown that he’s one of the Liga MX’s most talented creative players, and has the ability to make the difference on Saturday. Rodríguez has started 13 out of Cruz Azul’s 14 Clausura 2023 games and he’ll be vital to La Máquina’s efforts to win the battle in the engine room.
Carlos Rotondi, Cruz Azul
Fellow midfielder Rotondi is Cruz Azul’s other key man. The Argentine arrived at the club ahead of the Apertura 2022, but it’s in the current tournament that he has begun to show his best form. In week 14, Rotondi’s early goal set Cruz Azul on their way to a 2-0 victory over reigning Mexican champions Pachuca.