El Clasico Joven: America defeats Cruz Azul, leaves Jemez in trouble

Mexico’s capital belonged to Club America on Saturday night as Cruz Azul continued its disastrous run of form.

In another installment of El Clasico Joven, America defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, leaving Paco Jemez’s future clouded by uncertainty only 84 days after he was appointed as La Maquina’s manager.

It became clear after only 15 minutes that Cruz Azul didn’t plan to spend the game defending, but, despite its attacking approach, America drew first blood in the 29th minute when Oribe Peralta flicked a corner kick past Jose de Jesus Corona. It was a microcosm of La Maquina’s season, as one defensive error trumped its dominance.

Looking for a reaction in the second half, Cruz Azul continued to be press high, but when presented with chances to score, missed time and time again. It then went from bad to worse for La Maquina, as Enzo Roco was sent off in the 74th minute, paving the way for Peralta’s second goal.

By the final whistle, Cruz Azul had accumulated 64 percent of possession but failed to score, providing further evidence that La Maquina will find itself in a relegation battle.

Just how long Jemez remains in charge of Cruz Azul remains to be seen.