Two clubs chasing the Apertura Liga MX title will do battle today in a league match between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM. The first-division clash scheduled for 6 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio Azul. It can be live streamed here free and via the Univision Deportes mobile app. Additional TV coverage can be found on Univision.

What They’re Saying

Cruz Azul manager Luis Fernando Tena (via StarMedia): “A draw [against Pumas] doesn’t bode well for us. We have to win if we want to qualify for the liguilla. I think a draw doesn’t work for Pumas, either. That’s why I think the game has to be played openly. You can expect a heavily contested match, where chances will be created in front of goal on both ends.”

“It’s clear that we haven’t had a good tournament,” he added. “We’re not happy. We have very few points to be considered world-class, but the balance will be found. We have these last two matches to qualify for the playoffs.”

Tactical Preview

Player to Watch: Pumas UNAM”s Ismael Sosa has been instrumental on the right wing for the club this season. In 15 appearances, the 27-year-old has five goals and 14 created chances.

Cruz Azul’s Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Corona; Pinto, Rodriguez, Dominguez, Flores; Baez, Torrado; Flores, Fabian, Gimenez; Pavone

Pumas UNAM’s Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Palacios; Rankin, Palacios, Verón, Fuentes; Romagnoli, Cabrera, Ludeña; Lopez, Herrera, Sosa

Note: Credit all statistics to the officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via Squawka).

Standings

FIRST STAGE APERTURA
RnkTeamMPWDLGFGA+/-Pts
1CF América1593325141130
2Toluca158432114728
3Tigres157622316727
4Atlas158341918127
5Club de Futbol Monterrey147341914524
6Jaguares155732018222
7Club de Fútbol Pachuca166461918122
8Santos Laguna165742021-122
9CD León157082724321
10Querétaro166372220221
11Cruz Azul155551512320
12Pumas UNAM154651818018
13Club Tijuana153841716117
14Veracruz15366813-515
15Puebla152851218-614
16Leones Negros15276815-713
17Guadalajara142661118-712
18Monarcas1624101532-1710