Club América and Cruz Azul settle for goalless draw

Fans were left frustrated as Club América and Cruz Azul settled for a goalless draw at the Estadio Azteca in what was supposed to be the marquee matchup of Week 14 in the 2019 Liga MX Clausura.

Las Águilas came out the strongest, and Henry Martin went close early when he sent a karate-like effort wide of Jose de Jesus Corona’s goal.

In the 39th minute, América seemed to have scored the go-ahead goal when Andres Ibarguen smashed the ball in from a headed Mateus Uribe pass, but the goal had to be called back for a handball by the South American forward.

Cruz Azul improved after the break and nearly took the lead after Roberto Alvarado sent the ball into the woodwork. Moments later, a moment of controversy as Club América defender Emanuel Aguilera seemed to have handled the ball with his hand inside the box. The VAR had to be used but no penalty was called for the play.

Las Águilas then responded with Mateus Uribe forcing a superb save from Corona in the 60th minute.

Cruz Azul then had their own effort saved when Milton Caraglio beat his defender off a turn, only to have his chance blocked by the incoming Agustin Marchesin.

At the end, the game was marred negatively for Cruz Azul when star defender Pablo Aguilar appeared to have severely hurt his leg and had to be subbed off with ten minutes to go in the match.

With the result, both teams remain in Liguilla playoff positions with 23 points and three games left to play in the regular season.