Cruz Azul is grappling with a defensive crisis at the start of the Apertura 2026, repeating issues that manager Joel Huiqui had fixed to win the championship. The Cement Machine has lost three consecutive matches and conceded in each of its first five games, as reported by www.si.com this week.
With just six points from a possible 15, La Máquina finds itself outside the playoff spots. Their current situation contrasts sharply with the start of the Clausura, when the eventual champion had 10 points at the same stage. Offensive production is down one goal and goals conceded have increased by 67%, with eight scored and ten allowed.
What is going wrong with Cruz Azul's defense?
The core issue is an inability to keep a clean sheet. Cruz Azul has conceded in all five Apertura matches, including losses to Atlante, Tijuana, and Atlas. This is alarming because it contradicts Huiqui's work in April, when he reduced transition spaces and restored a compact structure that was key to the title.
Despite leading the league in expected goals (xG) with 10.2, their actual goals (8) are 2.2 below the projection. The team maintains high shot volume and defensive recoveries, but defensive mistakes are costing points. The absence of players like Gonzalo Piovi, who remains on the injuries list alongside Amaury Morales, has not helped.
How does the lack of signings affect the team?
The board made only two external signings for the first team: Alan Montes and Juan José Calero. After Matchday 2, Huiqui himself stated no further reinforcements would arrive. Calero, in fact, has not played a single minute in Liga MX through five matchdays.
There was no substantial squad change after winning the championship. For the match against Tijuana, the team lost Piovi, Carlos Rotondi, Willer Ditta, and Agustín Palavecino. Although Ditta and Palavecino returned against Atlas, the absences have limited options. Erik Lira was also not called up while negotiations for a possible move to Europe continue.
What is the current context in the league?
The standings situation is tough. According to verified data as of August 31, Cruz Azul sits 10th in Liga MX with 9 points from 3 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses in 6 games. Their recent form over the last five outings is 1 win and 4 losses. In the title race, they are 7 points behind leaders Club America.
A positive note is the latest result: a 1-3 victory over Necaxa on August 29. This win broke the poor run and echoed the 4-1 win in Huiqui's coaching debut against the same opponent. Fans can track the team's progress on our stats page.
What's next for La Máquina?
The next challenge is a home match against 17th-placed Santos Laguna on September 7. To get back on track, Cruz Azul must quickly rediscover the defensive solidity that made them champions. Joel Huiqui put it plainly: "Tenemos un equipo muy completo en todas las líneas".
The task now is to demonstrate that completeness on the pitch. Consistency will be vital in a busy schedule, which supporters can check on our fixtures page. The team has the foundation but needs to translate its play into concrete results to climb the standings and dream of the Liguilla again.
