A significant gap in youth player usage has emerged between Cruz Azul and Club América ahead of the Clásico Joven derby. The Cementeros have registered just 557 minutes from under-23 footballers after seven matchdays, less than half the 1169 minutes logged by their arch-rivals, according to Liga MX data.
The Under-23 Rule
League regulations require each club to give at least 765 minutes to players aged 23 or younger during the tournament. América, managed by Guillermo Almada, needs only 157 more minutes to comply. Cruz Azul, however, remains 208 minutes short of the mandatory minimum. This disparity highlights very different tactical approaches heading into this weekend's showdown.
Cruz Azul's Distribution
Cruz Azul boss Joel Huiqui has used seven under-23 players so far in the Apertura 2026. Only two have surpassed 90 minutes of action: Luka Romero with 351 minutes and Rogelio González with 169. The others have had mere cameos: Jorge Rodarte (18 minutes), Iván Silva (6), Josué Díaz (4), José Suárez (5), and Emiliano Castañeda (4). This contrasts sharply with América, where Dagoberto Espinoza has played 488 minutes, Miguel Vázquez 360, and Osvaldo Arriaga 169.
Almada's Philosophy
Guillermo Almada has integrated youngsters as key pieces, not only to meet a quota. "Almada has not only used the young players to comply with a regulatory obligation, but several have had an important role within his project," the manager said.
The team's current context is mixed. They are on a two-game winning streak, including a 1-0 victory over Santos Laguna last time out thanks to a José Paradela goal, but their overall form across the last five matches reads two wins and three losses. The next challenge is massive: hosting table-topping América at the Estadio Azteca. The youth-minute gap adds an extra layer of intrigue to a derby that always shapes seasons.
