The Liga MX teams prepare for Apertura 2026 with a memorable 3-3 tie
Category: Sports
In a thrilling encounter at Estadio Morelos, Atlético Morelia and Cruz Azul played to a dramatic 3-3 draw on July 5, 2026. This match was both a preparation for the upcoming Liga MX Apertura 2026 tournament and a tribute to Joel Huiqui, a former player for both clubs.
The game began with a flurry of activity, as Cruz Azul quickly asserted their dominance. Christian Ebere opened the scoring just ten minutes into the match, setting the tone for what appeared to be a one-sided affair. Luka Romero followed suit, doubling the lead with a well-placed shot that left Morelia's goalkeeper, Ramón Pasquel, with no chance. Mateo Levy added a third goal shortly after halftime, and it seemed as if Cruz Azul would walk away with an easy victory.
In a surprising twist, Cruz Azul opted to rest most of their starters in the second half, which allowed Atlético Morelia to mount an impressive comeback. The turning point came when Carlos Velázquez scored an own goal at the 66-minute mark, giving Morelia a glimmer of hope. Just six minutes later, Rubén del Campo capitalized on a defensive lapse and found the back of the net, narrowing the deficit to one goal.
With the momentum shifting, Orlando Botello completed the comeback by scoring the equalizer in the 79th minute, igniting celebrations among the local fans. The match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
This match was a display of skill and strategy and a key part of the teams' preparations for the Liga MX Apertura 2026, which is set to kick off later this month. For Atlético Morelia, this match represented a chance to build team cohesion and test new strategies ahead of the competitive season.
Cruz Azul, the reigning champions of Mexican football, faced a unique challenge in this match. The team had recently decided to rest many of their key players, a decision that could be seen as a gamble. By doing so, they aimed to keep their top athletes fresh for the upcoming tournament, but this strategy backfired as Morelia capitalized on the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the match was a heartfelt tribute to Joel Huiqui, who had a distinguished career with both clubs. Huiqui's legacy in Mexican football was celebrated, emphasizing the deep connections players forge with their teams and communities.
Looking ahead, both teams have much to prepare for as they gear up for the Liga MX Apertura 2026. The tournament is set to commence on July 24, 2026, and both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this high-stakes match.
Cruz Azul will also be celebrating another milestone as their affiliate team, Cruz Azul Hidalgo, makes its return to Liga de Expansión MX. After disappearing five years ago and rebranding as Zacatepec, Cruz Azul Hidalgo is set to play its first match against Tapatío on July 24, 2026, at the Estadio Akron. Their home debut will take place on August 1, 2026, against Venados at the newly renamed Estadio Refundación, a move that symbolizes the current administration's desire to distance itself from the previous management.
The upcoming weeks will be filled with anticipation for fans of both clubs as they prepare to witness their teams in action. For Atlético Morelia, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum gained from their comeback against Cruz Azul, and for Cruz Azul, the aim will be to refine their strategies and solidify their position as title contenders.