Cristian Benitez
Cristian Benitez leads America into the Finals against Cruz Azul. Creative Commons

Finishing in the top 5 of the Liga MX standings this season, America and Cruz Azul set themselves up for a strong run in the Clausura playoffs.

Cruz was dominant in their semifinal series against defending champion Santos Laguna, disposing of the champs on the strength of a 5-1 goal aggregate. The perfect blend of strong offense and physical defense created nightmare scenarios for Santos in both legs as Cruz Azul comfortably moved onto the final.

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While Cruz bounced Santos from championship contention, America received a tough test from Monterrey, another team finishing in the top 10 in league points. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw and although the series was close throughout, America was able to pull away in the end, advancing by way of a 4-3 goal aggregate.

When and Where to Watch the First Leg

As the Liga MX now heads into the championship series, the first leg of the final between Cruz Azul and America will take place on Thursday, May 23 at 10:00 p.m., EDT from the Estadio Azul in Mexico City.

A live broadcast of the event will be available through WatchESPN, with coverage starting at 9:50 p.m., EDT on the website. The Azteca Television network will also air the game beginning at 10:00 p.m., EDT.

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Team Breakdown - America

Ten-time champion America has been solid right from their season-opening win against Monterrey. Posting a 9-5-3 mark with 32 points, America finished behind only Tigres in 2013. With tremendous balance on both sides of the ball, America becomes a tough matchup for any opponent, especially when their offense is firing on all cylinders.

Cristian Benitez leads the team with 17 goals in league play this season. Attempting over 100 shots throughout the year, the 27-year-old native of Ecuador will undoubtedly have loads of defenders surrounding him at all times when the finals begin Thursday night. Benitez scored the second goal in leg No. 2 of the semis against Monterrey, putting his squad up 2-0, a lead they'd never relinquish as they eliminated last season's Clausura runner-up.

America is at their best when Benitez and star forward Raul Jimenez are providing consistent offense. The 22-year-old forward added 10 goals of his own in league play this year and if he's able to provide Benitez with a counterpart, the offense for America could offer a strong amount of trouble for the Cruz defensive unit.

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Team Breakdown - Cruz Azul

Cruz will play in their first Liga MX final since falling to Santos in 2008. Playing well throughout the course of the year, Cruz looked dominant in their semifinal series, especially on the defensive end as they surrendered only one goal in the two-leg semi.

Mariano Pavone is the team's leading scorer as he posted 12 goals and 1 assist during the season, and he has loads of on-field compliments as well.

Javier Orozco is able to provide speed and scoring from the forward position while Pablo Barrera is stellar at finding his teammates, finishing the regular season with 8 assists. With strong play in net from 32-year-old Jose Corona, Cruz Azul is fully capable of playing with America on the offensive end while slowing them defensively.

Mexican Clausura Wrap-Up

The two teams playing for the 2013 title are the two most-deserving squads because they proved to be formidable units in each match leading up to the first leg of the final.

Be sure to catch the start of the 2013 Mexican Clausura Final on Thursday, May 23 at 10:00 p.m., EDT. Coverage will be provided by WatchESPN starting at 9:50 p.m. and the Azteca TV network at 10:00 p.m.

The second leg of the championship will take place on Sunday, May 26 at 9:00 p.m., EDT.

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