Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Preview, predictions, odds, and how to watch first leg of Liga MX Playoffs 2021 Final in the US today

It's been a long road, but the Liga MX Playoffs 2021 are about to conclude and Santos Laguna host Cruz Azul today at Estadio Corona to begin the battle for the highly desired trophy. The Guerreros have made their way to this stage from the Wild Card round and beating Puebla in the semifinals, while La Máquina, who eliminated Pachuca in the last-4 round, have done it from the quarterfinals after an outstanding performance in the regular season. Here, you'll find everything there is to know about this exciting game, such as information, storylines, predictions, odds, and even how to watch it in the US.

Before the playoffs began, few could have expected Guillermo Almada's team to be taking part in this game. However, Laguneros fought hard to leave Querétaro, Monterrey, and Puebla behind, and they head to the upcoming series full of hope.

However, they won't have an easy task. Los Cementeros aim to end a 24-year drought and this year seems like the perfect one to do so. Juan Reynoso's boys ruled in the regular-season standings, and even though they've been threatened in the knockout stage, Cruz Azul successfully made it to the defining round. Will they finally hand their fans a long-awaited title?

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Match Information

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Time: 10 PM (ET)
Location: Estadio Corona, Torreón

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Time by State in the US

ET: 10 PM
CT: 9 PM
MT: 8 PM
PT: 7 PM

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Storylines and Head-to-Head

Santos Laguna were close to a top-four finish but came up short by a few points. However, they strengthened themselves and reached the grand final after beating three teams on the way. In the semifinals, their 3-0 victory over Puebla in the first leg was enough for them to advance with 3-1 on aggregate.

On the other hand, Cruz Azul's fantastic run in the regular season quickly turned them into frontrunner candidates to claim this year's Liga MX title. Los Celestes carry a 24-year streak without winning the domestic league, though, which is why they'll be under pressure to finally end the course. In the semifinals, they knocked Pachuca out thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win at Estadio Azteca.

This will be the 46th meeting between these two sides in the Mexican top-flight. Santos Laguna have been dominant with 19 victories, while Cruz Azul claimed 16 wins, and they've tied ten times.

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Liga MX Guard1anes 2021 Standings

Cruz Azul finished the regular season atop the table with 41 points, grabbing a ticket to the quarterfinals of the playoffs, while Santos Laguna sat fifth with 26 points, having to start their path in the Wild Card.

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Liga MX Playoffs 2021 Top Scorers

Eduardo Aguirre is Santos Laguna's leading goalscorer in the Liga MX Playoffs with five goals, while Santiago Giménez is Cruz Azul's top scorer in this knockout stage after being two times on target so far.

How to watch or live stream Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul in the US

The first leg of the Liga MX Playoffs 2021 Final to be played between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul at Estadio Corona will be broadcast in the US by FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 2, Foxsports.com, and FOX Deportes.

Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul: Predictions and Odds

Oddsmakers have already revealed their predictions for this exciting final, and they see the hosts as favorites. FanDuel has given Santos Laguna odds of +140, while Cruz Azul have +220, and a tie would result in a +195 payout.