Puebla Punishes Cruz Azul’s Slow Start

Cruz Azul entered the match as the clear favorite, but Puebla created several dangerous opportunities during the opening half-hour. Goalkeeper Kevin Mier was forced into an important close-range save before Monárrez eventually broke the deadlock.

The defender’s 28th-minute goal rewarded Puebla for an organized and aggressive performance. Rather than sitting deep against the champions, La Franja pressed forward when space appeared and challenged a Cruz Azul defense featuring Gonzalo Piovi and Jesús Orozco.

Cruz Azul also created chances through Gabriel Fernández and Rodolfo Rotondi, but Puebla’s defense blocked or saved the home side’s early attempts. Cruz Azul started with Fernández and Nicolás Ibáñez in attack, supported by Luka Romero, Carlos Rodríguez and José Paradela. Puebla used a more compact 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Gómez and Kevin Velasco among the main attacking outlets.

Two Winning Teams Enter the Match

Both clubs arrived after successful opening-round performances.

Cruz Azul began the Apertura by recovering from a 2–0 deficit to defeat Atlético de San Luis 3–2 away from home. The comeback strengthened expectations that the reigning champions could make another serious title run and potentially secure back-to-back Liga MX trophies.

Puebla, meanwhile, defeated FC Juárez 1–0 despite finishing the match with ten players. Emiliano Gómez scored the decisive goal, while Puebla’s defense protected the lead even though Juárez controlled more possession and recorded twice as many attempts.

Those results gave the meeting greater importance than a typical second-round fixture. Both teams were attempting to maintain perfect starts, although they entered the season with very different expectations.

A Major Test for the Defending Champions

Cruz Azul won its tenth Liga MX championship in May, defeating Pumas in the Clausura 2026 final through Rodolfo Rotondi’s stoppage-time winner. The title completed a remarkable turnaround under interim coach Joel Huiqui and established the club as the team to beat in the new tournament.

That status creates additional pressure. Cruz Azul is expected to control matches against teams such as Puebla, particularly with attacking options including Fernández, Ibáñez, Romero and Paradela.

Puebla’s early lead demonstrated that reputation alone will not protect the champions. La Franja entered the contest as a significant underdog but played with the discipline and confidence of a team encouraged by its opening victory.

For Cruz Azul, the remaining challenge is to increase the speed of its passing and create clearer opportunities inside the penalty area. Puebla must decide whether to continue attacking or defend its narrow advantage more cautiously.

Whatever the final result, the opening stages delivered an early Apertura warning: Puebla may be more competitive than expected, while Cruz Azul’s championship defense could involve far more difficult nights than its status as favorite suggests.

Puebla Stuns Cruz Azul With Early Lead in Liga MX Clash