Cruz Azul set sights on semifinals against Toronto FC

MIAMI, Florida – Cruz Azul will have their sights set on a 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League semifinal berth when they face Toronto FC in their quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday night at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.

La Maquina picked up a 3-1 win in the first leg away from home and will be feeling confident about their chances of closing out the series on Mexican soil.

It would represent the first SCCL semifinal appearance for Cruz Azul since the 2013-14 edition when they lifted the trophy.

Among the star performers for Cruz Azul in this current SCCL have been MF Roberto Alvarado, DF Pablo Aguilar and MF Bryan Angulo, the latter already with three goals in fewer than 100 minutes played in the tournament, including a brace in the first leg against Toronto FC.

While the Canadian club faces an uphill climb, they can feel optimistic about their comeback chances due to their recent history of performances in Mexico.

In their last three matches on Mexican soil, Toronto FC have a 1W-2D-0L record, including a 2-1 win at Chivas in the second leg of the 2018 SCCL Final, along with a 1-1 draw in Leon against Club Leon in their 2021 Round of 16 first leg.

Toronto FC could also be bolstered by the addition of new arrival Yeferson Soteldo. The dynamic Venezuelan playmaker was signed last week from Brazilian club Santos and could make his debut for the Reds on Tuesday.

The presence of Soteldo might prove to be the spark Toronto FC need to score a few early goals and put Cruz Azul on their heels.