Should Cruz Azul Fear Hosting Club América As Liga MX Resumes This Weekend?

Cruz Azul and Club América share a history of passionate rivalry, epic clashes, dramatic finals and … fear? Fear has been an interesting feature between the two clubs ever since former Cruz Azul player Miguel Sabah stated he feared playing against “Las Águilas” back in 2008. 

@CruzAzul_VAVEL | Twitter

Sabah’s words were naturally criticized by just about everyone in “La Máquina.” However, since then his words still resound in the ears of many, even to the point of actually haunting Cruz Azul fans. As would be expected, this has also been used relentlessly by americanistas to bully their Mexico City rivals. 

Earlier this week, América striker Silvio Romero said he is not sure whether it is a question of Cruz Azul players being scared, but that certainly América players perform better when facing the “celestes”.

@juanfutbol | Twitter

There is a rich history between the two Mexican powerhouses. Naturally, there have been iconic players on each side that have felt all but fear when facing their arch rivals. Nevertheless, recent history has brought a couple traumatic episodes (mainly for Cruz Azul) like that epic final in 2013, that could reinforce the idea that there is something psychological, subconscious even, at work when “La Máquina” and “Las Águilas” face each other. For proof, just watch how a year ago blew a 3-0 lead to lose 3-4 to “Los cremas” in their last visit to Estadio Azul.

Out of the past five clashes, Club América has won four times, Cruz Azul only managing to draw once. 

This weekend, Liga MX resumes after the FIFA international break, the highlight no doubt being Cruz Azul vs Club América. Both teams arrive in good shape, with “Las Águilas” sitting in third place with 20 points and “La Máquina” coming 6th with 18 points. With a win, Cruz Azul could pass their arch rivals and thus solidify a season that has many cruzazulinos fans dreaming about finally becoming champions after a twenty year drought (or at least making it to the playoffs).

So will “La Máquina” cast away the evil spirits that haunt them? Or will Club América gift them an anticipated taste of Halloween and crush them in a fearful night?