Cruz Azul will play its Liga MX match against Santos Laguna earlier than scheduled this weekend. The league moved the kickoff time to avoid a clash with the Leagues Cup final, as reported by AS USA. The game at Estadio Banorte was brought forward from 9 p.m. To 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 6.
Why was the kickoff time changed?
The decision aims to have La Máquina's match finish before the start of the binational tournament's final. Toluca and Monterrey will face off for the Leagues Cup title at 8:15 p.m. ET at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. However, the change does not completely eliminate a schedule overlap. The third-place game between América and León kicks off at 5 p.m. ET, meaning it will coincide with at least the first hour of the Cruz Azul match.
Both Leagues Cup games are part of a doubleheader that will close the tournament. Event organizers highlighted the importance of the venue. "The Doubleheader will conclude a tournament that began with 36 MLS and Liga MX clubs and ends with four Liga MX Semifinalists competing for the three final positions," organizers said. Houston's large Mexican community guarantees a strong turnout for the stadium.
What are the consequences of the Leagues Cup?
The tournament has direct implications for qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Toluca, Monterrey, and América have already secured their spots through other routes. Any Leagues Cup berth allocated to Liga MX will be reassigned according to the league's established qualification criteria. This detail adds an extra layer of interest to the consolation and final matches.
For Cruz Azul, the immediate focus is on earning points in Liga MX. Joel Huiqui's team aims to maintain its pace in the domestic competition. You can check the team's current position in the standings and review the full season schedule on our fixtures page.
How is Cruz Azul approaching this match?
The Cementeros face this match in the middle of the season. According to verified data, the squad has an average age of 26 and several players have recently been called up to their national teams. The team has shown defensive solidity at home this year. A key fact is that the starting striker has scored in three of the last five home games at the Azul, demonstrating his good form.
The match against Santos represents a significant challenge on the path forward. Cruz Azul's next official match after this Sunday will be the following Liga MX matchday, scheduled for the weekend of September 13.
