América and Cruz Azul Clash in Crucial Clásico Joven this Weekend

LEIPZIG, Germany — The highly anticipated Clásico Joven between Club América and Cruz Azul is set for Saturday, April 12, as both teams vie for crucial points in the Liga MX Clausura 2025. The match will kick off at 9:15 p.m. local time at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.

América is looking to bounce back after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cruz Azul in the Concachampions quarterfinals earlier this week. Currently sitting in first place in the Liga MX standings with 30 points, a win against their long-time rivals would solidify their position at the top. However, the recent loss has left the team with a desire to prove their resilience.

Head coach André Jardine will have to make adjustments to the lineup, as key players Henry Martín, Alan Cervantes, and Dagoberto Espinoza will miss the match due to injuries. Martín is dealing with an Achilles tendon issue but is expected to return for the playoffs. Despite these absences, América’s formidable lineup features Luis Malagón in goal, supported by Israel Reyes, Ramón Juárez, Sebastián Cáceres, and Cristian Borja in defense, while Jonathan dos Santos and Álvaro Fidalgo control the midfield. The attack includes sharp forwards like Alejandro Zendejas, Erick Sánchez, Brian Rodríguez, and Víctor Dávila.

“This defeat hurts a lot. We want to succeed, but we have to take it step by step. Other teams want this as much as we do. This match could very well be a Final,” Jardine said regarding the significance of the upcoming match.

On the other side, Cruz Azul aims to capitalize on their recent success against América. With 28 points, a victory would elevate them to the top of the table, provided other results align in their favor. Coach Raúl Sánchez is optimistic about his team, who is mostly fit with the exception of Giorgos Giakoumakis, suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.

Cruz Azul’s lineup will likely feature Kevin Mier in goal, protected by a defensive line of Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, and Gonzalo Piovi, while a midfield trio of Carlos Rodríguez, Lorenzo Faravelli, and Rodolfo Rotondi will look to support the attack led by Ángel Sepúlveda.

This match marks the 180th official meeting between the two clubs, with América leading the historical record with 66 wins compared to Cruz Azul’s 50, alongside 62 draws. The stakes are high, not just for pride but also for critical points in the tournament standings.

Fans can tune into the match live on Canal 5 and TUDN in Mexico, or stream via TUDN.com, the TUDN mobile app, and VIX Premium in the United States.