08/01/2025

Column The Pulse by Daniel Montes de Oca

Lunes 12 de Marzo del 2018

Column The Pulse by Daniel Montes de Oca

On Saturday evening at Azul, La Máquina lost its memory: this time there was no own goal in the last seconds, no crying on the field or in the stands due to a new disappointment; instead, five goals were scored against the opposing team's net, and such was the lack of habit that the celebrations were filled with disbelief.

On Saturday evening at Azul, La Máquina lost its memory: this time there was no own goal in the last seconds, no crying on the field or in the stands due to a new disappointment; instead, five goals were scored against the opposing team's net, and such was the lack of habit that the celebrations were filled with disbelief.

‘EL PULSO’ COLUMN


MEXICO CITY -- Cruz Azul lost its memory... It forgot to sabotage itself.

This time there weren't any fans with paper bags covering their faces, nor those who reproached the celestial players with heartbreaking screams for their lack of love for the shirt and apathy.

The team of involuntary humor, the same one that is capable of losing matches in an incredible way in the last seconds, the one that speaks with surrealism, this time showed an unknown face.

Today was not another "day at the office" for Jesús Corona with great saves, but they were not enough, because at the end of the day the lost gaze portrays the color of defeat. Not today.

The Saturday afternoon at the Azul [stadium] didn't have disappointment as its faithful companion. The ball entered the other goal and in clusters, therefore each of the five celebrations was full of incredulity. Those customs don't seem to be made for La Máquina [Cruz Azul].

One week after hitting rock bottom after falling to Querétaro, with no victory as the home team, with only one goal scored and numbers from Pedro Caixinha that would scare anyone, the team resorted to so-called 'sports coaching'.

Bernardo Angulo was appointed to carry out an almost titanic task in an institution marked by failure: to end the fears, to regain confidence and to break barriers are the main tasks of the specialist.

Coincidence or not, it would seem that as soon as they 'touched his mind' Cruz Azul won, and they did it decisively and even spectacularly. It didn't seem like Cruz Azul.

Certainly the fragility of the opponent was as surprising as the efficiency of the celestial team; however, La Máquina has been in many similar situations and even so has been able to throw away a victory.

Ángel Mena, the main target of Caixinha due to his lack of attitude, scored two goals, one of them to be framed. This summarizes to a great extent the cement change.

It's just one game and what can be seen as the beginning of a reaction seems late; the real challenge for Cruz Azul will be to reaffirm week after week that, beyond a result, it is capable of defending a style, preaching an idea, and giving their all on the field with each attempt. Whether they make it to the Liguilla [playoffs] or not will be secondary.

For now, March 10th will be remembered as the day Cruz Azul forgot to be Cruz Azul.

HONOR ROLL

America Irregular

Certainly, they remain undefeated and therefore in a privileged position in the overall table, but América has marked ups and downs in its performance. It's worth applauding the work in the defensive zone and the great moment of Matheus Uribe; the team just needs to have greater consistency under the guidance of Miguel Herrera. For now, it is a fact that the team will be in the playoffs and will continue breaking records and statistics, but Piojo himself is aware that in the 'kill or be killed' stages they cannot afford any hesitations. What is certain is that the Azulcrema fans have once again become hopeful with their team.

FAILING GRADE

Pumas Collapse

Pumas went from a carnival to an apocalypse. A great start to the season, they were marked as one of the favorites, and overnight everything changed for the worse. The Universitarios collapsed, they have five games without scoring, without confidence, without points, and against Toluca they were completely surpassed at home. David Patiño tried to make some adjustments to his lineup to shake up the team, but it had no effect. Nico Castillo is very alone in attack without balls to generate danger, Matías Alustiza walks on the field, Chelo Díaz lost his precision, and the defense led by Alejandro Arribas leaves much to be desired. The auriazules are outside the playoff zone and it seems very difficult for them to return, as their performance is disastrous.

Ver noticia en ESPN: Fútbol Mexicano

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