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Club America vs. Cruz Azul, 2013 Clausura Liguilla final: Second leg preview

Cruz Azul won and denied Club America an away goal on Thursday, but the Eagles looked the better team in the second half and will be confident of overturning the result.

Brian Bahr

Someone's long title draught will end on Sunday night, and Cruz Azul are in the driver's seat to claim their first title since 1997. They won the first leg of the 2013 Clausura Liguilla final 1-0 over Club America at home on Thursday and head to Estadio Azteca with a slight advantage.

America dominated the entire second half of the first leg, but failed to finish their chances. Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jose Corona put in a spectacular performance in net, but America should have been able to find a goal regardless. 'Chucho' Cristian Benitez was not at his best, but Raul Jimenez wasted multiple chances, while America's defenders had plenty of chances to score on set pieces.

On the road, America went to their more conservative setup, starting both Juan Carlos Medina and Jose Molina in midfield. They've tended to bench one of them -- usually Medina -- at home and when in need of a goal in favor of a more attacking midfielder. Osvaldo Martinez, who sat on the bench in the first leg, could join Molina and Rubens Sambueza in the center.

There should be no chances to the Cruz Azul lineup, though Mariano Pavone should get more than a quick cameo. He was thought to be out for the first leg, but got fit enough to make a late substitute appearance. Javier Orozco and Teofilo Gutierrez were less than spectacular in the first leg, and Cruz Azul will hope that Pavone can play a significant part. The one wild card is Alejandro Vela, who was suspended for the first leg. Cruz Azul have arguably been more effective without him in the team, but Guillermo Vasquez could opt to play him, move 'Chaco' Cristian Gimenez inside and bench one of the two strikers he played in the first leg.

Club America injuries and suspensions

In doubt: Paul Aguilar

Cruz Azul injuries and suspensions

In doubt: Mariano Pavone

Match date/time: Sunday, 9 pm ET

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico

TV: Univision (U.S. and Mexico)

Online: Watch ESPN