With a canceled Clausura 2020, we look forward to what Apertura 2020. has to offer from 3 of Mexico’s most well-known squads.
1.) A vengeful Cruz Azul.
Before Clausura 2020’s abrupt end due to COVID-19 in Mexico, Cruz Azul was rolling as Super Leader and coming off a thrilling 1-0 Victory over America with a penalty stop from Jesus Corona. Now Super Leaders usually bow out In the first or even second round of Playoffs and In the past 20, Liga MX tournaments have only been won once after entering Liguilla playoffs as a super leader. That is why it is fabled the “Curse of the Super Lider”, but one can’t wonder what may have been Cruz Azul’s ninth title. One thing is certain and that’s the fact they will come back with a chip on their shoulder and be looking to be one of the top 3 teams of the tournament with the talent they have at their disposal. Then to add to the drama of an uncompleted season now they are under investigation from Mexican authorities with ties to organized crime in Mexico, Cruz Azul is the gift that keeps on giving in Liga MX.
2.) Chivas on the right track?
Chivas officially finished 5th in the Clausura 2020 and under coach Fernando Tena’s coaching have put together and competent squad. For the first time, Chivas were looking for Liguilla play being in the fifth position on the table with 16 points, but then a global pandemic hit. It was rougher earlier in the tournament as players brought in as Cristian Calderon, Jesus Angulo, Uriel Antuna, and others had difficulties earning Fernando Tena’s trust and still have a way to go. The squad mixtures and experiments had stopped for a couple of games and it felt like they were finding a rhythm. Fernando Tena might still do tinkering as he feels needed, but rumors of Victor Guzman coming back into the fold after the failed drug test scandal, a rising superstar in Fernando Beltran and a Javier Eduardo Lopez that might be on the outs at Guadalajara make this team interesting if not for the play, then for the drama alone.
3.) A dangerous and healthy America.
America was in 2nd position before the Clausura 2020 came to a suspension. Miguel Herrera reached deep this past tournament with youth as youngster Sebastian Cordova made his biggest contributions as a regular starter this season. Building off the 2 goals in el Super Clasico against Chivas back in September of last year and being a menace down the midfield against any team. This team accomplished a lot being injury-riddled with so many injuries that it’s worth its own written piece about. They have played great despite the negatives as the Renato Ibarra scandal and they have their coach to thank for putting them in a position to succeed. He was thanked with a contract extension until 2022 and the future looks bright for a healthy Aguilas team that one could argue was the most consistent for the past decade.