Mexican soccer comes to a standstill this Saturday, September 12, with a Liga MX doubleheader that will put pride and the league lead to the test, featuring the Clásico Joven and the Clásico Regio.
Clásico Joven: Cruz Azul vs. América. La Máquina hosts the Águilas at Estadio Banorte in the most important matchup of the Liga MX Apertura season. América enters as the undisputed, undefeated leader with 16 points and a rock-solid defense that has allowed only two goals. Cruz Azul, sitting in the middle of the standings with 12 points, will look to make a statement and halt the momentum of its archrival.
- The Statistical Showdown: Both offenses are on fire, with 12 goals scored each. However, the contrast lies at the back: Cruz Azul’s Achilles’ heel is its defense, which has already conceded 11 goals.
- Historical context: Although the Azulcremas dominate the head-to-head record in finals (4–1) and boast a staggering 7–0 victory from the 2022 Apertura, recent numbers favor Cruz Azul. In their last five regular-season matchups, La Máquina has recorded two wins, two draws, and just one loss.
- Where to watch in the U.S.: 10:10 p.m. ET on TUDN and ViX+. (In Mexico: 9:15 p.m. on Canal 5 / TUDN / ViX).
Clásico Regio: Monterrey vs. Tigres. Tigres visits the Monterrey Rayados this Saturday with the imperative to beat their archrival, pick up three points, and gain a little confidence in what has been a difficult tournament.
- It’s a do-or-die situation: The Tigres head into the Clásico with Víctor Manuel Vucetich serving as interim coach, sitting in 15th place in the standings with just 6 points (one win, three draws, and three losses). Although Vucetich secured the team’s first win against Atlante, the squad is coming off just two points in its last two games (draws against Necaxa and Santos).
- Looking to Get Back to Winning Ways: Rayados, in better form than Tigres, are also coming off an up-and-down stretch after losing the Leagues Cup final to Toluca and falling 3-1 to Atlético de San Luis in their most recent match.
- Historical Edge: Despite Tigres’ current slump, their historical record gives them the advantage. Of the 142 derbies played, 52 have ended in victory for the Tigres, 47 in wins for Rayados, and 43 in draws.
- Where to watch in the U.S.: 8:10 p.m. ET on TUDN. (In Mexico: 7:10 p.m. on Canal 5 / TUDN / Layv Time / ViX).
