Cruz Azul's New Identity
For years, the word 'cruzazulear' was used to describe games that escaped in an unexpected way. However, the Cruz Azul of Joel Huiqui has begun to build a new identity: that of a team that doesn't give up when receiving the first blow and knows how to turn the game around.
What's Changed in Cruz Azul?
The 2-1 comeback against Puebla in the Jornada 2 of the Apertura 2026 was another example of that reaction capacity. After being down in the score, La Máquina responded with personality, adjusted from the bench, and ended up taking the three points, a characteristic that is starting to become a hallmark of the team.
Why is it Important?
This trend didn't come out of nowhere. The numbers reflect that since Iván Alonso's arrival as sports director, Cruz Azul has left behind the 'Cruzazuleadas' label to become a much more competitive team even in adverse scenarios. In the 111 Liga MX games played during Alonso's era, Cruz Azul opened the scoring in 66 occasions. Of those matches, won 51, tied 11, and lost only four, a 77% effectiveness when taking the lead.
What Comes Next?
But this trend doesn't stop there. La Máquina has shown that it can compete even when down in the score. In 38 games, La Máquina started losing and still managed to win 13, tied 13, and lost 12. That is, it has managed to score points in 26 of those 38 games and, even more significantly, has won more games than it has lost after receiving the first goal.
Current Status of Cruz Azul
Currently, Cruz Azul is in the 1st position of the Liga MX, with 6 points and a record of 2 wins and 0 losses in the first 2 games of the Apertura 2026. Additionally, La Máquina has scored 5 goals and received 3 in the tournament. The team also maintains a 3-point lead over its main competitor, CF Pachuca.
Upcoming Games
Cruz Azul's next game will be against Atlante FC at the Estadio Azul on August 2, 2026. La Máquina seeks to continue its winning streak and maintain its position in the Liga MX leaders' table.
