By DAN KARELL
It’s fair to say that Cruz Azul aren’t living up to expectations.
Coming off an impressive Clausura campaign where they finished on top of the table, Cruz Azul have decisively taken a step back in the Liga MX Apertura. The club brought in Mexican national team defender Francisco “Maza” Rodriguez as well as former Montreal Impact midfielder Hernan Bernardello, but the new signings coupled with established starters such as Marco Fabian and Mauro Formica hasn’t translated into success.
La Maquina currently sit outside the playoff places with just five points from five games, but they’ll have a chance to make a statement on Saturday when they face fourth-place Queretaro at the Estadio Azul. Queretaro are unbeaten in four games and have been led by former Vancouver Whitecaps star Camilo, who has three goals so far this season.
Elsewhere in Liga MX, Club America look to remain perfect when they visit Chiapas, Club Tijuana attempt to win their second straight match when they travel to Mexico City to face Pumas UNAM, and Tigres UANL visit struggling Morelia in the first match of the Liga MX weekend.
Here’s a full rundown of this weekend’s schedule in Liga MX, complete with TV listings:
FRIDAY
8:30 p.m. – Morelia vs. Tigres UANL – ESPN Deportes/Azteca America
10:30 p.m. – Santos Laguna vs. Toluca – Azteca America
SATURDAY
6 p.m. – Cruz Azul vs. Queretaro – Univision
6 p.m. – Veracruz vs. Chivas de Guadalajara – Univision Deportes
8 p.m. – Monterrey vs. Puebla – Univision Deportes
9 p.m. – Pachuca vs. Atlas – Telemundo
10 p.m. – Chiapas vs. Club America – Univision Deportes
SUNDAY
1 p.m. – Pumas UNAM vs. Club Tijuana – Univision
6 p.m. – Universidad de Guadalajara vs. Club Leon – Univision Deportes
What is the apertura and clausura? Is it two separate seasons, or the opening and closing of one season?
Each Apertura and Clausura has its own playoffs and champion.