Cruz Azul has released its official starting lineup for matchday 7 of the Liga MX Apertura 2026 against Santos Laguna, with defender Joel Huiqui named among the substitutes. The information, published by outlet AS on September 5th, details the Cementeros' starting eleven and bench options for the home fixture. en.as.com first reported the story.
The team arrives at this match following a 1-3 away win over Necaxa on August 29th, a result that ended a four-game losing streak. In the overall standings, Cruz Azul sits in 10th place with 9 points from 3 wins and 3 losses in their first six games. Their goal difference is neutral, having scored and conceded 11 goals each.
Who starts for Cruz Azul?
Goalkeeper Kevin Mier, wearing number 23, will start between the posts. The defense consists of Omar Campos (3), Jesús Gilberto Orozco Chiquete (5), Willer Ditta (4), and Amaury Garcia Moreno (17). In midfield, Ángel Márquez (16) and Carlos Rodríguez (19) will act as pivots, with José Paradela (20) and Agustín Palavecino (8) on the wings. The attack will be led by striker Nicolás Ibáñez, who wears the number 7. Rogelio González, with 55, completes the starting lineup.
What options are on the Cruz Azul bench?
The Cruz Azul substitutes' bench offers several tactical alternatives. Veteran defender Joel Huiqui is the most notable option to reinforce the backline, listed with the tactical notation '5-4-1'. Other available players include forwards Christian Ebere (11) and Gabriel Fernandez (21), midfielder Luka Romero (18), and playmaker Andrés Montaño (10). Defenders Alan Montes Castro (12) and Jorge Rodarte (22) are also options, alongside goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño (1). You can check the full roster on our squad page.
How is opponent Santos Laguna lining up?
Santos Laguna, visiting the Estadio Azteca from 17th place in the table, has also revealed its starting eleven. Carlos Acevedo (1) will be in goal. The defensive line features Mauricio Cuevas (3), Efraín Orona (14), Felipe Sánchez (25), and Aldo López (5). In the middle, Franco Pardo (18) and Diego González (7) will provide balance, with Fran Villalba (21) and Kevin Palacios (77) deployed on the flanks. Creativity will come from Ezequiel Bullaude (10), and Ramiro Sordo (26) will be the offensive reference.
What is the league context for this match?
This clash is key for Cruz Azul's aspirations in the tournament. The team is 7 points behind leaders Club America, making a home win essential to avoid falling further behind. Their recent form over the last five matches reads 1 win and 4 losses. A victory would allow them to close in on the playoff positions and build confidence for the rest of the Apertura 2026 campaign. The next fixture on the schedule is this very match, scheduled for September 7th.
