The Liga MX Clausura 2024 is reaching its thrilling conclusion with the much-anticipated match between Club América vs Cruz Azul on Thursday, May 23. Club América has dominated the last four encounters, including a narrow 1-0 victory in February. This final promises to be an exciting showdown.
Match Details: Date, Time, and Venue
The first leg of the final kicks off at 10 p.m. EST at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. Fans can catch all the live action on Univision. For those looking to stream the match, options include FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, both of which offer free trials. Sling TV is also available, though it does not offer a free trial, it has various promotional offers.
How Club América vs Cruz Azul Reached the Final
Club América secured their spot in the final by edging out Chivas 1-0 on aggregate, with Israel Reyes scoring the decisive goal in the 60th minute of the second leg. On the other hand, Cruz Azul advanced based on higher seeding after drawing both legs against Monterrey.
Watch Club América vs Cruz Azul This Soccer Match for Free
Who: Club América vs. Cruz Azul
When: Thursday, May 22 at 10 p.m. EST
Where: Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Mexico City
Stream: FuboTV (free trial); DirecTV Stream (free trial); Sling TV
Tickets: Available on StubHub
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Bayer Leverkusen: A Small City with a Big Soccer Legacy
Leverkusen, a modest German city known for its pharmaceutical industry, has gained unexpected recognition as a European soccer powerhouse thanks to Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run. Under the guidance of former Champions League and World Cup winner Xabi Alonso, the team completed an entire Bundesliga season without a single defeat, a first in history.
Chasing Triple Crown Glory
Bayer Leverkusen stands on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement. If they can triumph over Atalanta in the Europa League final on Wednesday and win against Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final three days later, they will secure a historic treble. This marks a significant transformation for a team previously known as the perennial runner-up in German soccer.
The City Behind the Club América vs Cruz Azul
Leverkusen’s identity is closely intertwined with the Bayer corporation, famous for products like Aspirin and Alka-Seltzer. The city’s modest skyline is dominated by the iconic 51-meter-tall illuminated Bayer logo, a symbol proudly worn by the soccer club. The BayArena, with its 30,000-capacity, is another landmark, highlighting the close connection between the club, the company, and the city.
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Community Pride and International Recognition
For locals like fan Sebastian Thiel, Bayer Leverkusen’s success is a source of immense pride. The club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the unique bond between the club and its community. The industrial city of Leverkusen, with its family-friendly neighborhoods and small apartment blocks, is now enjoying a spotlight usually reserved for larger cities.
Historical Background
Leverkusen derives its name from chemist Carl Leverkus, who established a dye factory in Wiesdorf, later acquired by Bayer in 1891. The sports club was founded by Bayer workers thirteen years later and has been a top-tier team since 1979, finally clinching its first Bundesliga title this season.
Despite the club’s achievements, not all soccer fans celebrate Bayer Leverkusen’s close ties to the pharmaceutical giant. Critics highlight the exemption from the 50+1 rule, which mandates fan control, a privilege shared only with Volkswagen-owned Wolfsburg. Nevertheless, Bayer Leverkusen’s recent triumphs are winning over new fans internationally, expanding their supporter base beyond local rivalries with Cologne and Düsseldorf.
European Triumphs and Modest Roots
Bayer Leverkusen’s success on the European stage is particularly notable. The last time they reached a European final was in the 2002 Champions League, which they lost to Real Madrid. Their 1988 UEFA Cup victory was their last European triumph before this season’s Europa League final.
Looking Forward
As Bayer Leverkusen prepares for the Europa League final, the city’s residents are savoring the moment. Longtime fans, like retired Bayer employee Karl Wallner, are filled with joy and pride, celebrating a season that has turned dreams into reality.
In summary, whether you’re tuning in to watch CClub América vs Cruz Azul for free or following Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible season, the world of soccer is filled with thrilling narratives and historic achievements.
