Leon vs Cruz Azul Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Liga MX 2024-25 Clausura Quarter-final first leg

The visitors emerged victorious against Club Leon during their last outing against one another.

Club Leon are all set to host Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Liga MX 2024-25 Clausura quarter-final. The interesting contest between the two Mexican sides will take place at the Leon Stadium.

Leon will be at home but will be under pressure as they have already lost to Cruz Azul twice this season. This is going to be a tough contest for them. The hosts finished in sixth place after they were only able to put up average performances.

It is a home fixture for them, and Leon should come up with a different set of plays to outshine the visitors.

TODOS, CON TODO 💚La Liguilla nos espera y la vamos a encarar juntos.#SerFieraEsUnOrgullo 🦁 pic.twitter.com/SEg3PGsSKK

— Club León (@clubleonfc) May 5, 2025

Cruz Azul ended in third place on the Liga MX points table. They did put up enough fight to get to the top spot, but it was not enough. But as they face Leon now, they will be feeling confident as they have secured some positive results in their last few games against James Rodriguez and Co.

Kick-off:

• Location: León de los Aldamas, Mexico
• Stadium: Leon Stadium
• Date: Friday, May 9
• Kick-off Time: 08:40 IST/ 03:10 GMT / Thursday, May 8: 22:10 ET/ 19:10 PT
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Leon: L-D-W-L-L

Cruz Azul: D-W-D-D-W

Players to Watch

James Rodriguez (Leon)

The experienced Colombian midfield star is going to play an important role for Club Leon here. James Rodriguez has played for top European teams, and in this high-stakes match, he will be looking to step up. He has eight goal involvements in 16 Liga MX games this season.

He is ready to engrave his name on the scoresheet once again.

Angel Sepulveda (Cruz Azul)

The Mexican forward will be in action for Cruz Azul yet again. Angel Sepulveda is going to cause problems for the opponent’s defence. The 34-year-old plays as a sole striker for the Liga MX side and is a crucial part of the attacking front.

The visitors will have to take advantage in the first leg, and Sepulveda can help them do so.

Match Facts

• Leon have not won any of their last eight fixtures against Cruz Azul.
• They are on a two-match losing streak.
• Cruz Azul are on a 16-match unbeaten run.

Leon vs Cruz Azul: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw @12/5 Betfair Sportsbook
• Angel Sepulveda to score @13/2 bet365
• Goals under 2.5 @21/20 bet365

Injury and Team News

Club Leon have all of their players fit and ready to be in action.

Cruz Azul will be without the services of Gabriel Fernandez as he is injured. Luka Romero, Mateo Levy and Omar Campos’ availability depends on their match fitness.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 36

Leon won: 7

Cruz Azul won: 18

Draws: 11

Predicted Lineups

Leon predicted lineup (4-3-1-2)

Jimenez (GK); Santos, Barreiro, Echeverria, Reyes; Ramirez, Fonseca, Estrada; Rodriguez; Rigoni, Mendoza

Cruz Azul predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Gudino (GK); Ditta, Lira, Orozco; Sanchez, Rodriguez, Faravelli, Rotondi; Rivero, Bogusz; Sepulveda

Match Prediction

The high-stakes contest is going to be an intense encounter between the two teams. The Leon vs Cruz Azul Liga MX Clausura quarter-final first leg is likely to end in a draw.

Prediction: Leon 1-1 Cruz Azul

Telecast Details

Mexico: TUDN, ViX, ESPN Mexico

US: Fubo tv, Fox Sports

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