Cruz Azul face a top-of-the-table test this Saturday as they host league leaders Toluca in Matchday 10 of the Liga MX Apertura 2026. The clash at the Estadio Banorte is a key opportunity for La Máquina to snap a two-game losing streak and close the gap at the summit, where they currently sit fourth with 15 points.
League standings
Martin Anselmi's side arrives following a 1-0 loss to Monterrey and a 2-0 defeat to Inter Miami in the Campeones Cup final. Those results left the team in fourth place, with a record of five wins and four losses from nine matches. Forward Jeremy Márquez is the team's top scorer this season with three goals.
Toluca, meanwhile, arrive as the solid leaders with 19 points, holding a four-point advantage over Cruz Azul. Los Diablos Rojos are on a run of four wins in their last five league games, showing strength at both ends of the pitch. This promises to be a high-stakes tactical battle.
Team news and likely lineups
Cruz Azul's medical report confirms the long-term absence of forward Amaury Morales, who is recovering from a knee injury. Otherwise, Anselmi should have most of his key players available. The probable lineup features Kevin Mier in goal, with a back three of Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, and Jesús Orozco. The midfield is expected to include Érik Lira, Carlos Rodríguez, and Agustín Palavecino, with Jeremy Márquez and José Paradela providing width. Gabriel Fernández would lead the line.
Toluca also has significant absences, including Iván López and Érick Gutiérrez. Their likely eleven includes Luis García; Diego Barbosa, Bruno Méndez, and Federico Pereira in defence; and an attacking trio of Alexis Vega, Federico Viñas, and Paulinho. The referee appointed for the match is Katia García.
Recent history
The last meeting between the sides was just two months ago in the Campeón de Campeones final, where Cruz Azul won 1-3 at Toluca. That victory gave La Máquina an early-season trophy and will undoubtedly serve as a positive psychological reference. However, the league context is different, with Toluca showing greater consistency.
Oswaldo Vázquez captured the anticipation: "Cruz Azul and Toluca want to get back to winning ways." The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 22:50 UTC. A win for Cruz Azul would put them within a point of the top, depending on other results, while a defeat would widen the gap and complicate their title ambitions. The full squad and upcoming fixture list are available in our squad and fixtures sections.
