Cruz Azul secured an important 3-1 victory over Necaxa in a Liga MX Apertura 2026 match played on August 29. The fixture, originally scheduled for August 28, was broadcast on FOX Deportes and reported by the website The Big Lead.
How did the match unfold?
The match featured a clash between two teams looking to improve their standing in the table. Cruz Azul, one of the giants of Mexican soccer, entered with a difficult run of league results. Their squad, which you can view on our squad page, needed a reaction. The Cement Machine showed greater effectiveness and took all three points from Estadio Victoria.
The win provides relief for the team, which before this match sat in 12th place with just six points. Their record was two wins, zero draws, and three losses. Those wins came against San Luis (3-2) and Puebla (2-1), while the defeats were against Atlante (3-2), Club Tijuana (2-1), and Atlas (2-0).
What is Cruz Azul's current situation?
After the win over Necaxa, Cruz Azul's outlook in the Apertura 2026 improves, though challenges remain. The team now has nine points but is still seven points behind the leader, Club America. Their goal tally this season is eight scored and ten conceded, for a -2 goal difference. Their recent form in the league, considering the last five matches, is one win and four losses (WLLLL).
The team is also dealing with significant absences. Currently sidelined are Amaury Morales and Gonzalo Piovi, injuries that affect the manager's options. You can follow the injury status on our dedicated injuries page.
What did Necaxa show in the match?
Necaxa, for their part, entered the match in 11th place with seven points. Their record was two wins, one draw, and two losses. In their previous match they drew 1-1 with Pumas UNAM, with a goal from Argentine forward Julián Carranza in the 76th minute. Carranza, 26, is a key addition for the Rayos this season. The attacker, who previously played for Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union, and Leicester City, has scored seven goals in ten matches for Necaxa.
However, in this duel they could not contain Cruz Azul's drive. The defeat leaves them with work to do to climb the standings, which you can check on the standings page.
What's next for Cruz Azul?
The victory serves as a confidence boost ahead of the next fixture. Cruz Azul now prepares to host Santos Laguna at home on September 7. Santos Laguna currently occupies 17th place in the table, representing an opportunity for the Cement Machine to secure back-to-back points. Performance in the Apertura tournament will be vital for defining their aspirations this season. The team also participated in the Leagues Cup, where they secured wins against Philadelphia Union (1-0) and New York City FC (2-1), but lost to Chicago Fire (2-1).
The path ahead requires consistency. Cruz Azul must capitalize on the win over Necaxa and build a positive run. The upcoming matches, which you can see on our fixtures calendar, will be decisive in turning their season around in the fight for a playoff spot.
