Cruz Azul is focusing on its upcoming match against Club America on September 13th, a clash that comes after the clarification of a controversy involving an influencer in the stands and with the historical record of opposing manager Guillermo Almada on the line. La Máquina Cementera enters the duel in sixth place in Liga MX with 12 points, from four wins and three losses, and riding a positive streak of two consecutive victories.
What happened with influencer Santi Domínguez at the Azteca?
On Saturday, September 5th, reports circulated that Santiago 'Santi' Domínguez, a content creator and Cruz Azul fan, had been ejected from the Estadio Banorte during the match against Santos Laguna in Matchday 7. According to Record MX, these reports emerged after images were shared of the influencer with stadium security personnel. The situation sparked reactions due to Domínguez's previous comments about the club's women's team, which had led the institution to announce it would not allow him access to its games.
However, the account of the 'Pláticas del Mal' podcast, to which Domínguez belongs, denied the ejection reports. They explained there was an encounter with security, but it did not end with his removal from the stadium. A later video showed Domínguez in the stands during the match, even celebrating Cruz Azul's goal in the 1-0 win. Thus, the version that he was forced to leave the venue was ruled out, confirming he watched the entire match.
What is Guillermo Almada's record against Cruz Azul?
America's Uruguayan manager, Guillermo Almada, will face Cruz Azul for the first time from the Eagles' bench, but he has a complicated history against La Máquina. According to data from Record MX, in his 13 previous meetings while in charge of Santos Laguna and Pachuca, Almada has five wins, two draws, and six losses. This gives Cruz Azul a slight advantage in the head-to-head series against the coach.
His first duel was in the Clausura 2020, with a 3-0 loss for Santos. Although he got his first win in the Clausura 2021, that same season Cruz Azul defeated him in the Final to become champion. With Pachuca, Almada managed two consecutive wins in the Apertura 2023 and Clausura 2024, but La Máquina regained control by winning the last two meetings in the Apertura 2024 (4-2) and Clausura 2025 (2-1). Now, as the undefeated league leader with America, he will look to change that trend in the Clásico Joven.
What condition is Cruz Azul in for the Clásico?
Cruz Azul arrives at the match against league-leading America after an important victory over Santos Laguna on September 6th. That result placed them sixth in the standings, four points off the top. The team has scored 12 goals and conceded 11 in the seven matchdays played, maintaining a positive goal difference of +1.
Their recent form over the last five games is two wins and three losses (WWLLL), but they are currently on a two-game winning streak. For this important fixture, the team will be without Amaury Morales, who is currently injuries. The rest of the squad, according to the squad, is available for a match that will define their ability to stay in the fight for the top spots.
What does this match mean for the season?
The September 13th home game represents a key opportunity for Cruz Azul to cut into the four-point gap on leaders Club America. A win would not only improve their position in the table but would give them a huge morale boost against a direct rival. It would also test a team that, despite its inconsistency, has shown it can win important matches.
The team needs to maintain the defensive solidity it showed against Santos, where it conceded no goals, and improve its offensive efficiency to break down one of the league's sturdiest defenses. The match is the first in a series of difficult fixtures you can check on the fixtures calendar. Cruz Azul faces America on Saturday, September 13th at the Estadio Azteca.
