Saturday night in Mexico City, the newly rebranded Estadio Banorte, although everyone will still call it Estadio Azteca, will host the Clásico Joven, with Cruz Azul as the home side. Clásico Joven is one of many rivalries in Liga MX, arguably the biggest one in recent years with how well both clubs have been playing. This fixture carries decades of history between the two, as Cruz Azul and Club América are currently the two most decorated teams in Mexico. On top of that, these two sides have met in the Liga MX final five times which has been the most common pairing in Liga MX finals. Cruz Azul won the first final between the two (4-1), and since then América has won the other four finals, most recently in the Clausura 2024. One of the finals was the iconic Clausura 2013 final, often recognized by many as the best Liga MX final in history, where América came from two goals down with two stoppage-time goals to force extra time, eventually winning 4-2 on penalties. The reigning Liga MX champions started off the season with two wins in the league over Atlético San Luis away (2-3) and at home against Puebla (2-1) before going to Carson to play the Campeon de Campeones where they beat Toluca 3-1. Since then, La Máquina went on to lose their next three Liga MX games while also getting eliminated from the Leagues Cup after falling short of qualification to the knockout stage. Joel Huiqui and his side were able to turn things around as they are coming to this match with back to back wins over Necaxa away (1-3) and at home against Santos (1-0) results that moved them up 6th in the table. Nicolas Ibañez and Jeremy Marquez have carried much of the attacking load as each have 3 goals so far in the league. Carlos Rodriguez has also done his part in midfield providing 4 assists and is currently sharing the league lead in assists alongside Juan Brunetta from Tigres. Joel Huiqui is expected to have his full squad available for the match as Gonzalo Piovi and Carlos Rotondi, originally in doubt, are expected to start from the bench. Meanwhile, Club América have had a great start to the season. New Club América manager, Guillermo Almada, started the season without several key players like Luis Ángel Malagón, Alejandro Zendejas and a few other players returning from World Cup and have still put together one of their best starts in recent years, as Almada’s men have yet to lose in the league. In the Leagues Cup, they had a strong run, reaching the semifinal before losing on penalties to Monterrey, followed by a loss to León in the third-place match. Las Águilas currently sit 1st in the table with 5 wins and 1 draw in 6 matches played. Raphael Veiga will be one player to keep an eye on given his great form this season, which he'll hope to carry into this match. Heading into the Clásico Joven, there is good news regarding América’s injury list as Angel Malagon is close to returning to the pitch and Zendejas is expected to be available for the match. New signings Miguel Borja, brought from Al Wasl, and Carlos Alvarez, brought from Levante, are expected to be on the bench as they look to make their debuts with the club. New signings Santiago Bueno, brought from Wolves, and Santiago Ramos Mingo, brought from Bahia, will not be available for this match but are expected to be ready for the game against Chivas next weekend. The last time these two sides met was back in April in a 1-1 draw with goals from Patricio Salas (17’) and Omar Campos (45+3’). Cruz Azul will look to be the first team to beat América in the league and derail their great start to the season while América will look to bounce back from the Leagues Cup elimination and continue their run of form in the league. The reigning Liga MX champions against the current league leaders in a historic rivalry will be a match you will not want to miss!