Cruz Azul played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Toluca in a match that had all the drama of a playoff encounter. La Máquina Celeste let a two-goal lead slip at the Estadio Banorte, watching their rivals score twice in a minute, but Gabriel Fernández emerged to rescue a vital point.
Joel Huiqui's side started strongly and took an early lead. Nicolás Ibáñez, the team's top scorer this season with four goals, opened the scoring in the 7th minute. The striker said he appeared inside the area to open the scoring after an assist from José Paradela. The advantage was doubled before the break. Gabriel Fernández, who extended the difference with a shot that came after an assist from Ibáñez, scored the second in the 38th.
Toluca's Comeback
The second half began with a VAR review that changed the game. Referee Katia Itzel García awarded a penalty after a foul by Willer Ditta, who was booked. Helinho converted from the spot in the 54th, beating goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño. Almost immediately, in the 55th, Alexis Vega took advantage of defensive confusion to level the match. In the blink of an eye, the two-goal lead had vanished.
Toluca even thought they had gone 2-3 ahead through Luka Romero, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the 77th. That gave Cruz Azul a new lease of life, and they desperately searched for an equalizer. It was Fernández, again, who emerged as the hero in the dying minutes to score his second of the match and seal the final 3-3 scoreline.
The result leaves Cruz Azul in fifth place in the Liga MX standings, with 15 points from nine games. This point, while feeling like a missed opportunity, keeps their playoff hopes alive. The team now prepares for their next fixture, an away trip to face U.N.A.M. For the latest on the squad, check the updated information on the squad page.
Further reading: Record MX
