Club America vs. Cruz Azul Prediction: Title on the Line in the Clasico Joven

Sunday evening will conclude the end of the 2024 Clausura season as Club America hosts Cruz Azul at the Mexican cathedral of soccer Estadio Azteca. Thursday night Clásico Joven saw both clubs find the back of the net in a 1-1 draw.

Club America on Thursday evening leveled the game in the 17th minute with a goal contribution from left winger Julian Quinones. It was a match that Las Águilas sat back and absorbed the pressure trying to hit Cruz Azul on the counterattack. After 90 minutes Club America finished the game with 36 percent ball possession and an x.G of 1.93.

Meanwhile, for Cruz Azul, they left everything on the line giving them a puncher's chance to pull off the upset. At home, La Máquina dominated the ball possession and finished with seven total shots with three on target. Uriel Antuna capitalized from the spot kick position to get Cruz Azul early on the board 10 minutes into the Clásico Joven.

Here, we will break down the betting odds and share our favorite picks for Club America vs. Cruz Azul.

Club America vs. Cruz Azul Betting Odds for Sunday, May 26

It’s to a surprise that books have listed the hosts as the favorites to win. Club America is priced at -125 to capture the title in the first 90 minutes, and Cruz Azul is a heavy underdog at +300. If this championship meeting goes to extra time or penalties the draw is marked at +240.

Odds from bet365 Sportsbook. Click the odds in the table below to place your bet and get $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or Bet $5 Get $150 at bet365.

Club America vs. Cruz Azul Betting Preview

Club America Preview

As stated above Julian Quinones etched his name on the scoresheet, registering his second goal in the 2024 Clausura playoffs. The 27-year-old arguably claimed a man of the match with his performance in his previous outing. Quinones tallied a total of four shots with three hitting the target and capped off the night by winning the most duels out of any player that saw the pitch finishing with 14 won.

Goal Keeper Luis Malagon had a subpar showing compared to his higher standards displayed this campaign. The Mexican committed a foul that ultimately led to Cruz Azul getting awarded the penalty. It was the first time in three outings Malagon conceded a goal. For the second time in 2024 that Malagon failed to attempt a stop from the penalty spot.

Bet on Club America at bet365

Cruz Azul Preview

Willer Ditta showcased his brick wall abilities on Thursday, conceivably finishing the 90 minutes as the best defender on the squad. In the defensive stat category he finished with two block shots and eight recoveries. The Colombian also had one of the highest passing completion rates out of any member on the field, finishing with a 94 percent accurate rate going 88-for-94.

La Máquina will desperately need Uriel Antuna to unlock his full potential if they want to lift the trophy in enemy territory. Before Antuna’s goal on Thursday, he went six matches without hitting the back of the net. In the biggest game of the season, the club's leading goal scorer must control the match up top.

Bet on Cruz Azul at bet365

Club America vs. Cruz Azul - My Pick

Only fitting that the top two sides in Liga MX in this year’s tournament square off and play for all the glory on Sunday. It should be a close match like we saw on Thursday, that said do think Club America will just have enough to squeak this one out in the 90-minute frame. Las Águilas have won their last two Clásico Joven at Estadio Azteca. All year Club America has only allowed nine goals in 13 home matches in all competitions played. Can’t see Cruz Azul outscoring Club America in this do-or-die match. This situation could see Cruz Azul approach this encounter from the start to get this title match to penalties and hope for the best, which in most cases backfires.

• Club America vs. Cruz Azul pick: Club America moneyline 3-way (-125) at bet365

How to Watch Club America vs. Cruz Azul

• When: Sunday, May 26, 9 p.m ET

• Where: Estadio Azteca

• TV: Univision, Telemundo, Fox Sports, ESPN, Vix and Sling TV