It’s not the Superclásico, not even a real Clásico, but it definitely is one of the best derbies Mexico has on offer. Two out Mexico City’s big three clubs, Cruz Azul and Pumas de la UNAM, squared off last Saturday at Cruz Azul’s Estadio Azul.
Both are amongst Mexico’s biggest clubs, not as big as América and Chivas (who make up the Súperclasico), but definitely big in terms of titles and support. Cruz Azul had its hey days in the 1970s, and has been a constant force in recent years. A well-run club, but with its last title in 1997 (and Mexico hands out two a year). The Pumas are on the rise, and have celebrated most of their successes in the last decade, with the last title less than a year ago.
The match got played at Estadio Azul, the city’s third biggest stadium, but more compact, which means stands and fans closer to the pitch than at the Azteca and Olímpico. Whereas Azul has regularly trouble filling up the stadium for a standard league match, the stadium was about 80% packed for the derby, with both sets of fans peacefully mixing up and an electric atmosphere.
The game could not match the atmosphere though, and ended in a 1-1 draw, something which has not really helped any of the clubs in their quest for this season’s title.
