MEXICO CITY -- Mexico City rivals Club America and Cruz Azul tied 0-0 in Estadio Azteca on Thursday in the first leg of the Liga MX's 2018 Apertura final. The second leg will be in the same venue on Sunday. Here are three thoughts from the match.

1. Marchesin comes up big for Club America

The story of the 2018 Apertura title may only have a maximum of 120 minutes left to go, but there will be more twists and turns than we saw on Thursday.

Perhaps the main lesson from the first leg of this final...

With Club America set take on Cruz Azul in the final of the 2018 Liga MX Apertura, Eric Gomez breaks down Las Aguilas.

MEXICO CITY -- Only a few weeks ago, the thought of Club America making the final (and in such a convincing fashion) was somewhat of a pipe dream. Despite the overall solidity of their regular campaign, fans were unimpressed by the team's lack of a killer forward, its general inability to beat top teams and Miguel Herrera's tendency to drop back after grabbing a lead.

However, the...

With Cruz Azul set take on Club America in the final of the 2018 Liga MX Apertura, Tom Marshall takes a look at how La Maquina line up.

Players to watch

Cruz Azul's charge to the final hasn't been defined by one outstanding star player. It's been more of a collective effort born out of self-sacrifice and buying into Pedro Caixinha's playing style and idea.

That said, Cruz Azul's spine has been absolutely crucial. Goalkeeper Jesus Corona, center-back Pablo Aguilar, central midfielder Ivan Marcone...

The semifinals of the Liga MX 2018 Apertura playoffs are now finished. Following another exciting week, only two teams remain in the hunt for the title: Club America and Cruz Azul.

A thrilling final series between the two Mexico City rivals awaits, but here's a look back at some of the best individual performances from the semifinal stage.

GK: Agustin Marchesin, Club America

During the 1-1 draw against Pumas in the first leg of the semifinal, Marchesin made six saves and put in one of his best goalkeeping...