MEXICO CITY – Cruz Azul of Mexico defeated Deportivo Táchira of Venezuela 4-0 at the Estadio Azul here in their second game of Copa Libertadores play. The Mexican squad had a slow start, but dominated the Venezuelans in ball possession and shots on goal.
“We made our home advantage count and we were able to take the three points, which is very important,” said Javier Aquino who participated in Cruz Azul’s first goal. “We have to add points, and try to stay at the lead of the group as long as we can. The team has to win as both local and visitors. Today we had a great game.”
Cruz Azul has never lost at home in Copa Libertadores play. The current Venezuelan league champion would not be the team to end that streak.
Both teams showed heart in the first half. The locals controlled the ball more and had the better runs on their opponents’ goal. The Venezuelans buried themselves in the back and waited for the counterstrike opportunities, hoping for an error on the Mexican end.
The cementeros were able to get on the board with a penalty kick. Javier Aquino ran the ball to the edge of the field but was taken down inside the penalty box by Andres Rouga. The referee awarded the Mexico City squad the kick from the 10-pace mark for the foul. Adrian Cortes took the shot that Roberts Rivas touched as he dove, but could not change the trajectory of the ball. The maquina took the 1-0 lead.
Cruz Azul continued their runs on their opponent’s net, having several shots on goal, including one from Alejandro Vela that bounced off the post to save Táchira from the second goal.
Edixon Perea had the first shot for Cruz Azul in the second half. He received a long pass from Aquino. The Colombian headed the ball low to Rivas’ right who dove to stop it from entering his net as Cruz Azul attacked trying to increase their lead.
Striker Javier Orozco took the ball into the penalty area and spun with a pass to Perea who shot past Rivas to give the home squad the 2-0 lead.
Enrique Meza substituted Aquino with Christian Gimenez. Aquino developed well throughout the game, constantly moving and taking part in the play that brought the first goal for Cruz Azul.
Meza brought in Maranhao for Vela a few minutes later. The Brazilian worked on a counterstrike from the lower part of the field. He took the ball and centered it defeating the Venezuelan defense. Maranhao passed to Orozco who slid to drive in the third goal. “Chuletita” got his goal in a game where he constantly fought to get his team on the board.
Emanuel Villa came in to substitute Perea in the final minutes of the game. The Argentine was on the field for a few minutes before he left his mark on the scoreboard. Gimenez tapped a loose ball in the penalty box that reached Villa who pushed it past Rivas for the 4-0.
Cruz Azul showed complete dominance over a Venezuelan side that opted for defense after the first 25 minutes of play. Aquino and Orozco showed great play on the pitch. Both players made a difference for the Mexican squad, participating in the goals, or scoring directly. The players are under 23 years of age and within Mexico U-23 coach Alfredo Tena’s sight for the upcoming pre-Olympic qualification.
The next Libertadores match for Cruz Azul is Corinthians of Brazil, while Deportivo Táchira will face Nacional de Paraguay.
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