Cruz Azul enters this 2nd round after a lacklustre 0-0 draw in their league opener against Mazatlán. This team generally relies on its home advantage and has seen better results with fan support, achieving 6 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses while playing away in their last 30 matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding 14. In home fixtures, they have a strong record, with 12 wins and 3 draws, netting 33 goals while allowing only 9 to get past them. In their last 10 outings across all competitions, Cruz Azul has won 3, drawn 6, and lost 1. Their attacking efforts have borne fruit, scoring in 9 of those games. Over their last 20 away matches, they have notably netted 9 of their 25 total goals between the 31st and 45th minutes.
Cruz Azul’s start to the tournament left a lot to be desired in terms of offensive output, despite showcasing a solid defence. They are still seeking to hit their stride, facing challenges in both creating opportunities and finishing, areas that need strengthening for high-level competition. The expectation is for a more aggressive showing, even on the road, to compensate for the points dropped at home. With their experience and tactical discipline, the team aims to neutralise Athletic’s strengths and secure their first win.