- Cruz Azul bids farewell to the Apertura 2023 amidst criticism and reproach from its own fans.
- The 1-2 defeat against Puebla marks the conclusion of a season full of ups and downs for La Máquina.
- Despite the elimination, La Franja seizes the opportunity to secure a spot in the quarterfinals with a resounding victory.
Cruz Azul concluded its participation in the Apertura 2023 with a 1-2 defeat against Puebla at the Estadio Azteca, being booed by its own fans. Despite the previous elimination, La Franja managed to climb to the sixth position and secure a direct spot in the quarterfinals.
The match began with a hostile atmosphere towards Cruz Azul. Even before the start, the celestial fans expressed their discontent by booing the eleven starters and Joaquín Moreno when they were announced. As the game progressed, the reproaches continued, especially after individual errors, such as Willer Ditta’s failed pass at the 10th minute.
Ups and downs and controversies in the match
Although Cruz Azul reacted in the last 15 minutes of the first half, with goal opportunities thwarted by the Puebla goalkeeper’s saves, the roller coaster of emotions persisted. A goal initially disallowed and later validated after VAR review caused confusion and mixed reactions among the fans.
Despite the equalizer scored by Cruz Azul at the end of the first half, clear goal-scoring opportunities were wasted, such as Kevin Castaño’s miss at the 52nd minute. The lack of efficiency in finishing resulted in an own goal at the 57th minute, adding more disappointment for the team. The final moments of the Apertura 2023 reflected the defensive and offensive issues that characterized Cruz Azul’s campaign, triggering boos that persisted until the departure of the celestial players from the field.
Betting implications
From a betting perspective, Cruz Azul’s performance in the closing of the Apertura 2023 leaves a disappointing impression. Despite having a secured position in the standings, the defeat against Puebla and inconsistencies in their play created uncertainty among bettors. The lack of efficiency in finishing and missed opportunities were key elements that negatively impacted expectations for the celestial team. On the other hand, La Franja, capitalizing on Cruz Azul’s issues, emerges as a noteworthy rival in the upcoming tournament phases, potentially influencing future odds.
Check the best mexican soccer betting sites for the rest of the tournament.
