**Cruz Azul Thrashes Juárez, Earns Direct Liguilla Berth**

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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Cruz Azul Thrashes Juárez, Earns Direct Liguilla Berth

Cruz Azul delivered a resounding statement of intent on Saturday night, absolutely dismantling FC Juárez 5-0 at the Estadio Azteca to secure a direct berth in the Liguilla. The emphatic victory showcased the team's offensive firepower and solidified their place among the Liga MX elite.

The match was a complete domination from the first whistle. Cruz Azul pressed high, suffocating Juárez's attempts to build from the back and forcing turnovers with aggressive tackles. The early pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Uriel Antuna, a constant menace throughout the game, slotted home a precise finish after a clever cutback from Carlos Rodríguez.

Juárez, struggling to find their footing, conceded again just six minutes later. Rodríguez, the orchestrator of the midfield, delivered a perfectly weighted pass for a charging Iván Morales, who calmly sent the ball past the helpless goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.

The first half ended with Cruz Azul firmly in control, but the second half saw the team unleash a full-fledged offensive barrage. Just five minutes after the restart, Antuna found the back of the net again, this time with a powerful shot from just outside the box.

Juárez, visibly deflated, seemed to collapse under the weight of Cruz Azul's onslaught. The home side added insult to injury in the 72nd minute when a pinpoint cross from Jesús Corona was headed into the net by the towering presence of Rómulo Otero.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 81st minute, as a swift counter-attack led by Uriel Antuna culminated in a cool finish by Cristian Tabó, sealing the 5-0 victory.

This resounding win is a testament to the team's hard work and unwavering determination. Cruz Azul's offensive prowess was on full display, with several players showcasing their individual brilliance. Antuna's two-goal performance, Rodríguez's masterful midfield control, and the clinical finishing of Morales, Otero, and Tabó highlight the depth and quality within the squad.

The direct Liguilla berth is a deserved reward for Cruz Azul's strong performance throughout the regular season. They have consistently been a force to be reckoned with, and their dominance against Juárez serves as a warning to their Liguilla opponents.

With their sights set on the championship, Cruz Azul will be looking to carry this momentum into the postseason. The team is brimming with confidence, and their desire to claim the Liga MX title is palpable. The rest of the league should be on notice: Cruz Azul is a serious contender and their journey for glory has just begun.