{"id":6763,"date":"2026-05-15T05:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T09:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/?post_type=news&#038;p=6763"},"modified":"2026-05-27T12:04:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:04:01","slug":"match-preview-cruz-azul-vs-chivas-05-12-26-liga-mx-semifinals-1st-leg","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/news\/match-preview-cruz-azul-vs-chivas-05-12-26-liga-mx-semifinals-1st-leg\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruz Azul vs Chivas Prediction: Liga MX Clausura 2026 Semifinal 1st Leg"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Cruz Azul host Chivas in the first leg of their Clausura 2026 Liguilla semifinal &#8212; Liga MX&#8217;s playoff knockouts &#8212; on Wednesday, May 13, with kickoff at 10:00 PM ET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>La M&#225;quina come in as slight favorites at -110 on the moneyline, backed by a six-match unbeaten run and a 4-2 aggregate win over Atlas FC in the Liguilla quarterfinals. Chivas had a tighter passage through &#8212; 3-3 on aggregate with Tigres UANL, going through as the higher-ranked side &#8212; and head into this first leg with patchier form on paper and a handful of players absent due to national team duty. The Tabla General told a different story, though: el Reba&#241;o Sagrado finished second in Clausura 2026, one place above Cruz Azul in third, and will back themselves to advance over two legs. Cruz Azul -110 | Draw +250 | Chivas +220 &#8212; odds from <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">bet365<\/a>. Our Cruz Azul vs Chivas prediction is below. See the <a href=\"\/us\/liga-mx-standings\/\">Liga MX standings<\/a> and <a href=\"\/us\/liga-mx-fixtures-results\/\">Liga MX schedule<\/a> for full context on how both sides got here.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-league-standings\" id=\"league_standings-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition\":\"6908dc2a060124ea20d71c28\",\"widget_type\":\"league-table\",\"groups\":\"\"}<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead><tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Our Prediction<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Odds &amp; Sportsbook<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Confidence<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Why We&#8217;re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cruz Azul to win<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">-110 @ bet365<\/a><br \/>(52% implied)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&#11088;&#11088;&#11088;<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cruz Azul carry a six-match unbeaten run and a dominant H2H record &#8212; three wins and a draw from their last four Liga MX meetings &#8212; into this first leg. Home advantage matters in Liguilla semis. Chivas are without their top scorer and key midfielders due to national team duty, and their quarterfinal passage against Tigres UANL was anything but comfortable.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Under 2.5 Goals<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">+110 @ bet365<\/a><br \/>(48% implied)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&#11088;&#11088;&#11088;<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Liguilla semifinal first legs tend to be cautious &#8212; teams protect home advantage rather than chasing a big lead. Cruz Azul&#8217;s two most recent regular-season away games both ended 1-1. Chivas&#8217; attack is weakened by national team absences, and two of their last four visits to Cruz Azul&#8217;s ground produced a combined two goals.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Correct Score: Cruz Azul 1&#8211;0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8212; @ bet365<\/a><br \/>(&#8212;)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&#11088;&#11088;<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">A narrow Cruz Azul win without reply fits both primary selections and is the most probable scoreline given both sides&#8217; tendency toward controlled, low-scoring games in high-stakes Liguilla fixtures. A speculative addition for correct score markets.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>Our approach: Cruz Azul to win at -110 is the primary pick &#8212; home advantage, six unbeaten, and a dominant H2H record. Under 2.5 at +110 is the supporting bet in a first leg where both sides will prioritise not conceding over forcing a decisive scoreline.<\/p>\n\n<small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small>\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"935\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1071\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Bet365\"data-placement=\"bet365-review\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#005641\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/sites\/13\/2026\/01\/20112959\/bet365_Logo_Inline.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"bet365 logo\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Bet365\"data-placement=\"bet365-review\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Bet365<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Bet365\"data-placement=\"bet365-review\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">First Bet Safety Net &#8211; Get Up To $1,000 in Bonus Bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Bet365\"data-placement=\"bet365-review\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">First Bet Safety Net &#8211; Get Up To $1,000 in Bonus Bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Bet365\"data-placement=\"bet365-review\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Get Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/bet\/betting-sites\/bet365\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&amp;Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Prediction Markets: Live Odds &amp; Win Probability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note for US readers:<\/strong> Polymarket is now live for real-money trading in the US following its 2025 acquisition of QCX, a CFTC-regulated exchange, available in most states except Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada and Ohio. New US users can claim a 100% deposit match up to $50 with code ACQUIRE05. Market prices shown are real-money figures from the Polymarket platform. <a href=\"\/us\/bet\/betting-sites\/kalshi\/\">Kalshi<\/a>, also CFTC-regulated, trades in all 50 states.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Polymarket<\/a> covers Liga MX Liguilla fixtures as the semifinal rounds approach. If this tie is listed, the market should reflect Cruz Azul as moderate home favourites, consistent with the sportsbook pricing. <a href=\"\/en\/go\/kalshi?q=us-all-all-wof-s-spo\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kalshi<\/a> had not listed this fixture at time of writing; we will add their market data here if pricing surfaces before kick-off.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"2923\"\n            data-offer-id=\"2928\"\n    >\n\t\t            <span class=\"sq-toplist__label\">CODE: ACQUIRE05<\/span>\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Polymarket\"data-placement=\"polymarket-review\" data-rating=\"8.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#ffffff\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/sites\/13\/2026\/04\/06101144\/polymarket-1.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Polymarket\"data-placement=\"polymarket-review\" data-rating=\"8.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Polymarket<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Polymarket\"data-placement=\"polymarket-review\" data-rating=\"8.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">100% up to $50 with Code: ACQUIRE05<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Polymarket\"data-placement=\"polymarket-review\" data-rating=\"8.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">100% up to $50 with Code: ACQUIRE05<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/polymarket?q=us-sg1-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Polymarket\"data-placement=\"polymarket-review\" data-rating=\"8.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">TRADE NOW!<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">8.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/bet\/betting-sites\/polymarket\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p><i>18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See <\/i><i><span draggable=\"true\"><a href=\"http:\/\/polymarket.us\/tos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">polymarket.us\/tos<\/a><\/span><\/i><i>\u00a0for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Season Form &amp; Standings<\/h2>\n\n<p>Both sides finished in the Clausura 2026 top three, separated by just three points. Chivas edged Cruz Azul &#8212; 36 points to 33 &#8212; though La M&#225;quina lost only twice all regular season against Chivas&#8217; three defeats. Cruz Azul&#8217;s draw-heavy record (six draws) reflects a side that is hard to beat; Chivas&#8217; greater win count (11 vs nine) shows a side more willing to go for the win. Both carry genuine title credentials into the semifinal.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead><tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Team<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pos<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GP<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">W<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">D<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">L<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GF<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GA<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GD<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pts<\/th>\n<\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chivas<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2nd<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">17<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">11<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">33<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">17<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+16<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">36<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cruz Azul<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3rd<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">17<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">9<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">31<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">18<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+13<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">33<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<h2>Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carlos Paradela (Cruz Azul):<\/strong> The leading scorer in Cruz Azul&#8217;s Clausura 2026 campaign with six goals, Paradela&#8217;s movement between the lines and composure in the final third make him the most likely Cruz Azul scorer in a first leg where chances will be at a premium. Chivas will need to track him closely against a depleted defensive setup.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cruz Azul midfield:<\/strong> Even without three centre-backs, Cruz Azul&#8217;s midfield has been the backbone of their six-game unbeaten run &#8212; controlling possession, limiting transitions, and creating the narrow margins that earn results. Their ability to dominate the middle third will be central to managing a first leg at home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chivas attacking threat:<\/strong> El Reba&#241;o Sagrado scored 33 goals across 17 regular-phase games &#8212; joint-highest in Clausura 2026 alongside Pumas UNAM. Despite the national team absences, the players who remain available carry the quality to punish Cruz Azul&#8217;s depleted backline if La M&#225;quina push too high in search of a decisive lead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2>Head-to-Head<\/h2>\n\n<p>Cruz Azul hold a dominant recent H2H record against Chivas: three wins and a draw from their last four Liga MX meetings, with el Reba&#241;o Sagrado yet to beat them across that run. The most recent encounter &#8212; Cruz Azul 2-1 in Clausura 2026&#8217;s regular phase in February &#8212; adds to the weight of evidence favouring the home side. Chivas have not won at Cruz Azul&#8217;s ground in over two years. H2H form is not everything in a two-legged knockout, but the weight of recent evidence adds pressure on Chivas to prove this cycle is different.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead><tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Date<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Score<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Competition<\/th>\n<\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Feb 22, 2026<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cruz Azul 2&#8211;1 Chivas<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Liga MX Clausura 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Dec 1, 2025<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cruz Azul 3&#8211;2 Chivas<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Liga MX Apertura 2025 (Liguilla)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Nov 28, 2025<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chivas 0&#8211;0 Cruz Azul<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Liga MX Apertura 2025 (Liguilla)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Aug 31, 2025<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chivas 1&#8211;2 Cruz Azul<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Liga MX Apertura 2025<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<h2>Cruz Azul vs Chivas: Team News<\/h2>\n\n<p>There is a significant defensive injury list for Cruz Azul to navigate heading into the semifinal. Jorge S&#225;nchez (back), Toro Fern&#225;ndez (muscle), and Jes&#250;s Orozco (broken ankle) are all unavailable, leaving their back line stretched for a high-stakes occasion. J. M&#225;rquez (muscle) is targeting a mid-May return but is a doubt for the first leg.<\/p>\n\n<p>Chivas have their own injury concerns. A. Mozo (broken leg) and L. Sep&#250;lveda (ankle) are confirmed out. D. Aguirre (undisclosed) is a game-time decision and could feature if he proves his fitness ahead of Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n<p>The visitors are also missing a host of players due to a mandatory Mexico national team pre-World Cup camp, including top scorer Armando Gonz&#225;lez, midfielders Brian Guti&#233;rrez and Luis Romo, and goalkeeper Ra&#250;l Rangel.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Recent Form<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Cruz Azul &#8212; W W W D D<\/h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>May 10, 2026: Cruz Azul 1&#8211;0 Atlas FC (win, home &#8212; Liguilla QF 2nd leg)<\/li>\n<li>May 3, 2026: Atlas FC 2&#8211;3 Cruz Azul (win, away &#8212; Liguilla QF 1st leg)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 27, 2026: Cruz Azul 4&#8211;1 Necaxa (win, home)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 22, 2026: Quer&#233;taro FC 1&#8211;1 Cruz Azul (draw, away)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 19, 2026: Cruz Azul 1&#8211;1 Club Tijuana (draw, home)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Cruz Azul have not lost since April 4 &#8212; a run of six unbeaten that spans the end of the regular phase and a clean two-leg quarterfinal elimination of Atlas FC. Carlos Paradela has been the attacking focal point all Clausura 2026, and the team have shown the defensive solidity to keep clean sheets when the occasion demands. The momentum going into the semifinal is as strong as it has been all half-season.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Chivas &#8212; W L D D W<\/h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>May 10, 2026: Chivas 2&#8211;0 Tigres UANL (win, home &#8212; Liguilla QF 2nd leg)<\/li>\n<li>May 3, 2026: Tigres UANL 3&#8211;1 Chivas (loss, away &#8212; Liguilla QF 1st leg)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 26, 2026: Chivas 0&#8211;0 Club Tijuana (draw, home)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 23, 2026: Necaxa 0&#8211;0 Chivas (draw, away)<\/li>\n<li>Apr 19, 2026: Chivas 5&#8211;0 Club Puebla (win, home)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Chivas&#8217; form chart is patchier &#8212; a loss at Tigres beginning a run of just one win in five to end the regular season, before losing 3-1 again to Tigres in the quarterfinal first leg. They pulled off a stunning 2-0 home comeback to go through on aggregate, which shows the character this squad has when the atmosphere is right at Estadio Akron. Away from home, though, the record is less convincing &#8212; and this first leg is at Cruz Azul&#8217;s ground.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Cruz Azul vs Chivas Prediction<\/h2>\n\n<p>Cruz Azul are the logical pick as home favorites at -110 &#8212; six unbeaten, a dominant H2H record, and the advantage of playing the first leg at home. The defensive injury concerns are real, but Chivas are not at full strength either, and their quarterfinal passage against Tigres was unconvincing until that second-leg comeback. Under 2.5 at +110 fits the expected tempo of a tight Liguilla semifinal first leg. For outright Clausura 2026 title odds, see our <a href=\"\/us\/outright-markets\/liga-mx-clausura-2026-winner-odds\/\">Liga MX Clausura 2026 winner odds<\/a> page. More on both squads in the <a href=\"\/us\/liga-mx-stats\/\">Liga MX stats hub<\/a> and <a href=\"\/us\/liga-mx-top-scorers-goal-leaders\/\">top scorers<\/a> tracker.<\/p>\n\n<small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small>\n\n<em>Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/em>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cruz Azul host Chivas in the first leg of their Clausura 2026 Liguilla semifinal &#8212; Liga MX&#8217;s playoff knockouts &#8212; on Wednesday, May 13, with kickoff at 10:00 PM ET. La M&#225;quina come in as slight favorites at -110 on the moneyline, backed by a six-match unbeaten run and a 4-2 aggregate win over Atlas&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":6970,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Cruz Azul vs Chivas prediction","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Cruz Azul vs Chivas: Predictions, odds, picks & stats","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Cruz Azul host Chivas in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinal first leg on May 13 (10 PM ET). La Maquina -110 at home on a six-match unbeaten run; Chivas finished second in Clausura 2026.","footnotes":""},"tags":[327],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-6763","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-liga-mx"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cruz Azul vs Chivas: Predictions, odds, picks &amp; stats<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cruz Azul host Chivas in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinal first leg on May 13 (10 PM ET). 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