Cruz Azul is in the midst of a severe results crisis after suffering their third consecutive defeat in the Apertura 2026. La Máquina lost 2-0 to Atlas on Saturday, August 23 at Estadio Banorte, as reported by en.as.com, a result that deepens their early-season troubles.
With this setback, the cementeros sit in 12th place in the Liga MX standings, with six points from five matches. Their record is two wins and three losses, having scored eight goals while conceding ten. The -2 goal difference highlights the defensive issues plaguing their campaign. They also trail league leaders Club America by seven points, a significant gap at this stage.
What happened in the match against Atlas?
The game in Guadalajara was decided in the first half. Édgar Zaldívar and Florián Monzón scored for the home side, leaving Cruz Azul with no response over the 90 minutes. This loss adds to previous defeats against Atlante (3-2) and Tijuana (2-1), completing a three-match losing streak in the league. The situation looks even more concerning considering their Leagues Cup 2026 elimination, a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. Their form over the last five official matches reads one win and four losses.
The absence of key defensive pieces has been a major factor. Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Rodolfo Rotondi have missed game time for various reasons, weakening the backline. This lack of solidity is evident as they are the third-most scored-upon team in the tournament so far. Fans can check the status of the squad on our injuries page to follow these cases.
What is the current state of the squad?
The attack hasn't been the primary issue, with eight goals in five games. Forward J. Márquez is the team's top scorer with two goals in five appearances. However, the collective performance has been inconsistent and stability is sorely lacking. The team urgently needs to recover confidence and steadiness, especially at the back.
The next test will be tough. Cruz Azul visits Necaxa on August 29, a rival currently in 11th place who is also looking for points to climb the table. This clash shapes up as a key match to stop the negative run. Supporters can check all the schedule details in our fixtures section.
What does this streak mean for the rest of Apertura 2026?
Many matchdays remain, but the margin for error shrinks with every dropped point. The team must quickly find tactical and mental solutions to reverse the trend. The board and coaching staff have the task of thoroughly analyzing the mistakes and correcting the course before the season slips away. The standings table shows how tight the competition is, where a single win can mean a significant jump.
Pressure mounts with each adverse result. Cruz Azul, a club with the history of La Máquina, has the obligation to react. The upcoming matches will define whether this is just a temporary slump or the start of a truly difficult campaign. The trip to Necaxa becomes an immediate opportunity to show character and get back on track.
