Cruz Azul is navigating a complex period with negotiations for Erik Lira's move to Monaco and a deep results crisis in the Liga MX Apertura 2026. According to reports from Diario RÉCORD, the French club improved its economic offer to secure the Mexican midfielder, while the cementeros struggle to escape a streak of three consecutive losses that has them in 12th place in the table.
What does Monaco's offer for Erik Lira include?
Information from Carlos Ponce de León in RÉCORD details that Monaco increased the fixed amount of the operation to unblock negotiations. The proposal also includes economic bonuses for achievable objectives, mainly linked to Lira's individual performance and some collective ones with the French club. Cruz Azul would also retain a percentage of the player's rights for a future transfer, which could make the deal exceed double-digit millions in euros in profits for La Máquina.
The cementeros had been clear that Lira would not leave at any price, valuing the player and refusing to sell him cheaply. Monaco understood the interest and decided to put more money on the table. With the fixed amount, bonuses, and the possible percentage of a future sale, the negotiation became much more attractive for Cruz Azul's board.
When will Rotondi and Piovi return to action?
Injuries have been another headache for coach Joel Huiqui at the start of the tournament. Carlos Rotondi is training separately from the group and is in the final stage of his rehabilitation, as reported by RÉCORD. The intention is for the Argentine to be available for the match against Santos in Matchday 7, or at least for the Campeones Cup commitments.
On the other hand, Gonzalo Piovi, who is also training separately at La Noria, has an injury to his right hamstring. The defender will need at least another week of recovery and, with favorable progress, could reappear against Santos or in the match against Inter Miami. In the case of Willer Ditta, the outlook is more encouraging after arriving injured for the match against Atlas, but he managed to train and start in the defeat.
How does Rotondi's absence affect the team?
The lack of Carlos Rotondi has evidently weighed on Cruz Azul's performance in the Apertura 2026. According to an analysis by RÉCORD, in the only two Regular Phase matches of the Clausura 2026 that the Argentine was not present, La Máquina drew with Mazatlán and lost to Pachuca. In contrast, out of 15 matches he played, the team won nine and drew five, with only one defeat.
The numbers are compelling: out of 52 available points contested in Liga MX with Rotondi on the field, Cruz Azul earned 38, that is, 74.5 percent. Without the midfielder, across both tournaments, the cementeros only earned one point out of 15 possible, a mere six percent. His dynamism and physical endurance were key in winning the Clausura 2026 title.
What is Cruz Azul's current situation in Liga MX?
Cruz Azul currently occupies 12th place in the Apertura 2026 standings, with 6 points after 2 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses in five matchdays. The team has a record of 8 goals for and 10 against, with a -2 goal difference, and is 7 points behind the leader, Club América. Their last outing was a 0-2 defeat to Atlas on August 23.
The results streak is concerning: in the last five matches across all competitions, the team has 1 win and 4 losses, stringing together four consecutive defeats. Forward J. Márquez is the top scorer of the season with 2 goals in 5 appearances. The next challenge will be a tricky away visit to Necaxa, eleventh in the table, on August 29, a key match to break the bad run. Fans can follow the team's progress on our stats page and check the standings page for the complete Liga MX picture.
