The defending champion of the Liga MX closed the Apertura 2021 disappointingly
After being ahead 1-3 against Pumas, Juan Reynoso's team allowed a comeback in the second half. The final score of 4-3 not only disappointed the fans but also the Peruvian coach, who could not hide his disappointment for the tough defeat.
"We are clear about what happened. I won't send messages through the press, we are very upset. I already told them (the players) what I had to say. We are at Cruz Azul, we shouldn't mourn. I am responsible here. Because of details, we ended up leaving with nothing and with a huge shame," said the 'Cabezón'."
The team led by the Peruvian coach showed great resilience in the first half, where they managed to turn around a 1-0 deficit. However, in the second half, they fell into a series of inaccuracies that allowed the opponent to secure the victory and the spot in the playoffs.
Cruz Azul failed to maintain the lead it had against Pumas. Photo: Liga MX
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"Everything will depend on how open we are to building. If we continue to make those little mistakes or those details, the same inertia will continue. It depends on us. I hope we reflect and when we come back from the break, we see a different response to what lies ahead," reflected Reynoso on the decline in the performance of La Máquina, the current champion of Mexican football.
Cruz Azul will face Monterrey
Despite the defeat in this final matchday, the cement club had already secured a place in the playoff positions. The result only served to determine their opponent in this stage, Monterrey, the team they will try to beat to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
"Leaving the Azteca is not ideal, but we will analyze the best options. Whether it's playing behind closed doors or in an alternate venue, that will be seen in the coming days," Reynoso concluded regarding the scenario for the match against Rayados after receiving a sanction for the misbehavior of its fans.
Cruz Azul and Monterrey, eighth and ninth in the regular season, will face each other in a single playoff match to reach the quarter-finals. The venue will be chosen by the cement team (for finishing higher in the table) and the tentative date for the match would be Saturday, November 20.