The Blue and Red Cross: Players Who've Worn Both Cruz Azul and Atlas Colors
It's a rivalry as old as time… well, almost. For decades, Cruz Azul and Atlas have been battling it out on the pitch, fighting for supremacy in Liga MX. But what about the players who dared to wear both the sky blue of Cruz Azul and the red and black of Atlas? It's a tricky thing to do, but a few brave souls have made the leap.
The Crossover Crew:
Let's dive into the players who've donned both the iconic jerseys:
1. Christian "El Hobbit" Bermúdez: One of the most recent players to switch sides, Bermúdez spent time with both teams in the 2010s. He had a solid spell with Cruz Azul, even scoring a goal in the 2013 CONCACAF Champions League final. But he couldn't quite replicate that success with Atlas, where he had a more inconsistent time.
2. Javier "El Chuletita" Orozco: This Mexican striker is another player who's experienced life on both sides of this heated rivalry. He was a key part of the Cruz Azul team that won the CONCACAF Champions League in 2013. However, his time with Atlas was less successful, although he did manage to lift the Copa MX with them in 2017.
3. Daniel Osorno: A veteran of Mexican football, Osorno played for both Cruz Azul and Atlas during the 2000s. He's best remembered for his time with the "Cementeros," where he even wore the captain's armband. He also had a spell with Atlas but was ultimately unable to replicate the success he had with Cruz Azul.
4. Rafael Márquez Lugo: This journeyman forward had a short, but notable, stint with Cruz Azul in the 2000s. He also played for Atlas during the same period. Although his time at both clubs wasn't particularly memorable, he's one of those players who's tasted the rivalry from both sides.
The Challenge of Crossing the Divide:
It's not easy being a player who wears both the blue and the red. The fans are passionate, the rivalry is intense, and the pressure is immense. It's a balancing act, trying to earn the respect of two very different sets of supporters.
What's Next?
Will we see more players make the switch between these two Liga MX giants? It's always possible, and it'll be fascinating to see how they handle the pressure. But one thing's for sure: the rivalry between Cruz Azul and Atlas will continue to rage on, regardless of who wears the colors.