Pumas vs Cruz Azul: A Rivalry for the Ages

The rivalry between Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul is one of the most intense and long-standing in Mexican soccer. The two teams are located in Mexico City and have a passionate fan base. The matches between the two teams are always highly contested and often end in a draw.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Pumas and Cruz Azul dates back to the 1960s. The two teams first met in 1964 in a friendly match. Pumas won the match 2-1. The next year, the two teams met in the final of the Mexican Cup. Cruz Azul won the match 2-0.

Since then, the two teams have met over 100 times in all competitions. Pumas has a slight edge in the head-to-head record, with 43 wins to Cruz Azul's 39. The two teams have also drawn 29 times.

The Stadiums

Pumas play their home matches at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The stadium has a capacity of over 70,000 and is one of the largest in Mexico. Cruz Azul play their home matches at the Estadio Azteca. The stadium has a capacity of over 87,000 and is the largest stadium in Mexico.

The Fans

The fans of Pumas and Cruz Azul are some of the most passionate in Mexico. The fans of Pumas are known as the "Libres y Lokos" (Free and Crazy). The fans of Cruz Azul are known as the "La Máquina Cementera" (The Cement Machine).

The Players

Some of the most famous players to have played for Pumas include Hugo Sánchez, Jorge Campos, and Claudio Suárez. Some of the most famous players to have played for Cruz Azul include Carlos Hermosillo, Guillermo Mendizábal, and Juan Reynoso.

The Managers

Some of the most famous managers to have managed Pumas include Ricardo Ferretti, Hugo Sánchez, and Miguel Mejía Barón. Some of the most famous managers to have managed Cruz Azul include Ignacio Trelles, Raúl Cárdenas, and Luis Fernando Tena.

The Rivalry Today

The rivalry between Pumas and Cruz Azul is still going strong today. The two teams are always among the top contenders in the Mexican league. The matches between the two teams are always highly contested and often end in a draw.

Key Statistics

• Pumas has won 43 matches against Cruz Azul.
• Cruz Azul has won 39 matches against Pumas.
• The two teams have drawn 29 matches.
• Pumas has scored 153 goals against Cruz Azul.
• Cruz Azul has scored 147 goals against Pumas.
• The average attendance at Pumas vs Cruz Azul matches is over 40,000.

Match Highlights

Some of the most memorable matches between Pumas and Cruz Azul include:

• The 1965 Mexican Cup final, which Cruz Azul won 2-0.
• The 1978 Mexican league final, which Pumas won 4-1.
• The 1990 Mexican league final, which Pumas won 3-2.
• The 2004 Mexican league final, which Cruz Azul won 2-1.
• The 2013 Mexican league final, which Cruz Azul won 1-0.

Effective Strategies for Success

If you are a fan of Pumas or Cruz Azul, there are a few things you can do to help your team win:

• Attend matches in person. The atmosphere at Pumas vs Cruz Azul matches is electric, and your presence can help your team to victory.
• Support your team on social media. Use social media to show your support for your team and to connect with other fans.
• Be positive and respectful. Even when your team is losing, it is important to be positive and respectful of the other team.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Pumas vs Cruz Azul experience:

• Arrive early. The stadium gates open two hours before the match, so arrive early to get a good seat.
• Bring your own food and drinks. Food and drinks are expensive at the stadium, so bring your own to save money.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Mexico City can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything from rain to shine.
• Have fun! Pumas vs Cruz Azul matches are a great way to experience Mexican soccer. Relax and enjoy the match.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when attending a Pumas vs Cruz Azul match:

• Don't drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you do things you regret.
• Don't start fights. Fights are never worth it, especially at a soccer match.
• Don't throw objects. Throwing objects can be dangerous and can get you ejected from the stadium.
• Don't be disrespectful. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated by the stadium staff or the other fans.
• Don't leave early. If your team is losing, don't leave early. Stay until the end to show your support.

FAQs

Q: When is the next Pumas vs Cruz Azul match?
A: The next Pumas vs Cruz Azul match is on November 12, 2022.

Q: Where can I watch the Pumas vs Cruz Azul match?
A: The Pumas vs Cruz Azul match will be broadcast on Fox Sports and ESPN.

Q: How can I get tickets to the Pumas vs Cruz Azul match?
A: Tickets to the Pumas vs Cruz Azul match can be purchased online or at the stadium box office.

Q: What is the capacity of the Estadio Olímpico Universitario?
A: The capacity of the Estadio Olímpico Universitario is over 70,000.

Q: What is the capacity of the Estadio Azteca?
A: The capacity of the Estadio Azteca is over 87,000.

Q: Who is the most famous player to have played for Pumas?
A: The most famous player to have played for Pumas is Hugo Sánchez.

Q: Who is the most famous player to have played for Cruz Azul?
A: The most famous player to have played for Cruz Azul is Carlos Hermosillo.

Q: Who is the most famous manager to have managed Pumas?
A: The most famous manager to have managed Pumas is Ricardo Ferretti.

Q: Who is the most famous manager to have managed Cruz Azul?
A: The most famous manager to have managed Cruz Azul is Ignacio Trelles.