The Clásico Joven was painted in sky blue, as Cruz Azul took the three points against América, a match in which Eric Lira shone. With his brilliant performance, he reminded us of his most controversial and accurate statements against the eternal rival.
Lira and América are like water and oil, and according to the player himself, he will never wear an azulcrema shirt in his career. However, there is a special fact that heats up this rivalry.
While playing for the Pumas, the national team player also warned during the Apertura 2021 qualifiers: “We have spoiled America” as they defeated Toluca in the match to face Aguilas in the quarter-finals.
And that’s exactly what happened! The Cats defeated Cuba in the second leg, knocking them out of the semi-finals.
In an interview with OneFootball, Lira said it was “obvious” that it would happen again this weekend.
‘El Jefecito’ was a key component of Cruz Azul’s 2-1 win, impressing at CU throughout the 90-minute Clasico Joven at centre-back – an unusual but familiar position for him – where his skills halted the Azulcrema attack with 12 recoveries and five clearances.
In fact, the match against America ranks in Lira’s top 3 performances of the tournament, with 6.6 points, surpassed only by the matches against Chivas and Toluca.
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