The stage is set for a historic final this week between two of Mexico's most beloved and popular soccer teams.
Cruz Azul and America will face off in a final for the first time since 1989.
Both America and Cruz Azul are based in Mexico City and the increasing rivalry between the two teams has been dubbed the "young classic" in recent years, referencing the more traditional standoff between what are arguably Mexico's most popular teams---America and Chivas.
The first match will be held Thursday night at the Estadio Azul, Cruz Azul's stadium, at 9 PM Central Time. The second leg of the final will be held in Mexico's most famous soccer venue, Estadio Azteca, on Sunday at 8 PM Central Time.
This is only the third time in history that both teams meet in a final. The first time was in 1972 when Cruz Azul won decidedly over America with 4 goals to only one from the Aguilas. The second occasion happened 17 years later, but this time America was victorious over Cruz Azul with a global score of 5 to 4.
Players from both squads have expressed their willingness toward playing in the upcoming match. Cruz Azul forward Mariano Pavone said he is willing to risk aggravating an injury just for a chance to play against America. His teammate and former America player, Christian "Chaco" Gimenez, echoed this sentiment and said that he would be happy to give the club's fan base the satisfaction of winning a final over America. And America player Ruben Sambueza said that the expectations around the game are strong given the importance of both teams and that he is happy to be a part of the experience.
Both teams have had extraordinary seasons and Cruz Azul has already won a title this year when it took home the Copa MX, a new tournament cup in Mexican professional soccer. But despite that win, Cruz Azul has not won a league title since 1997---the topic of a running joke amongst Mexican soccer enthusiasts. Cruz Azul has been named a sort of "perennial runner up" for the last 18 years.
America itself has spent the last 8 years without winning a title---a period that seems far too long for one of Mexico's most popular teams.
But whatever the result may be, Mexico City prepares for a hectic soccer week in which two of its native teams will clash in a rivalry that becomes more popular as the years go by.