Cruz Azul

 
All of the familiar symptoms were there. Cruz Azul displayed signs of their usual Liguilla weakness throughout their quarterfinal match-up with Morelia. The symptoms just never manifested in to the full-blown sickness.

 
The Mexican Liguilla starts tonight. This end-of-the season tournament has historically proven to be anyone’s for the taking. It feels especially true this season as none of these remaining teams could be easily discounted. A case could be made for any of the eight to capture the title, albeit some easier than others. Let’s look at the four quarterfinal match-ups that will play out over the next five days:

(1) Tigres v. (8) Monterrey

Schedule:

Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 (CT), Estadio Tecnologico

 
“The mind moves matter” … Virgil, Aeneid

I’m naturally predisposed to dismissing the mental side of the game. The team that ‘wants it more’ doesn’t always win. One team being ‘more ready to play’ is generally a throw-away line to explain the unexplainable. I assume that the majority of professional athletes are always trying their hardest to put out their best effort. The team that wins most often will be the one with the better athletes and the more complete cohesion as a unit.

 
Nothing motivates more than avoiding relegation

Every week I post a Game of the Week preview at Pancho Villa's Army. Give it a read.

 
Expectations can be tricky. Big clubs carry big expectations even when their play merits modest ones. There are too many cross-sport examples of this to mention, but I will say that Chivas of Guadalajara could be the crux of a thesis paper on this. What’s truly bizarre is when a big club sets the expectation bar so low that they need not break a sweat in meeting them.

 
This week news came out announcing the end of Javier Aquino’s career at Cruz Azul. Aquino was sold to Spanish second division club, Villareal. He and the club agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club for three plus years. Although Villareal is currently in the second division in Spain, this is still a win for Aquino who could prove himself in Europe within closer view of other European clubs. This is a good move for Aquino and great move for Mexico.

Plenty of interesting storylines highlight Week 4 and the Clausura season thus far. Chivas and Leon are still winless. Atlas and Queretaro continue to make a real battle out the relegation race. Tijuana hasn’t flinched from their championship form. With so much to discuss, I present an especially meaty torta. Buen provecho.

What's Happening: Week 4 Results and Table

Seven more red cards were shown in the third week of this season. I’m going to try to avoid writing too much about that because it’s becoming equal parts ridiculous and infuriating. Therefore, I am going to stick to the positives this week … as they were in abundance, too. This week’s torta is a tribute to everything Poblano. I raise up a Super Torta in Puebla’s honor.

 
Another Cruz Azul season is in the books with all the familiar smells and tastes that their supporters are so accustomed. This season, unlike last, fits like an old shoe. It reeks of age and looks terrible, but it just feels right. Cruz Azul once again managed to go through the season looking consistently solid and occasionally strong. They give off an impression of a team that could challenge for a title, but once the Liguilla comes around they are outclassed and embarrassed.