In a decisive match at Estadio Banorte, Cruz Azul secures a playoff spot by defeating Necaxa in the Liga MX regular season finale.
Category: Sports
Cruz Azul defeated Necaxa 4-1 on April 26, 2026, at Estadio Banorte in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 regular season finale. This victory marked a much-needed turnaround for Cruz Azul, ending a ten-match winless streak and securing a third-place finish in the league standings.
The match was particularly notable as it was the first time Cruz Azul played in their renovated home stadium, previously known as Estadio Azteca. Interim coach Joel Huiqui made his managerial debut after replacing Nicolás Larcamón just a week prior. The Sky Blues entered the match aiming to solidify their playoff position, having struggled through a challenging stretch of games.
Cruz Azul's performance improved significantly in the second half after a lackluster first half that saw few chances. José Paradela opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed shot, assisted by Rodolfo Rotondi. Shortly after, Agustín Palavecino doubled the lead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Necaxa responded with a penalty goal from Ricardo Monreal after a foul by Gabriel Fernández, briefly narrowing the gap to 2-1.
Following the penalty, the match took a decisive turn when Emilio Lara of Necaxa received a red card for a foul on Christian Ebere. Luka Romero then scored from a free kick, restoring Cruz Azul's two-goal advantage. The scoring was capped off by Andrés Montaño, who found the net in stoppage time, sealing the match at 4-1.
Cruz Azul's win was a relief and a signal of potential resurgence. The Sky Blues finished the regular season with 30 points from 8 wins, 6 draws, and only 2 losses, placing them fourth in the league standings. Their solid defensive record, conceding just 17 goals, highlighted their tactical strengths under previous management, though recent form had raised concerns.
In stark opposition, Necaxa entered the match already eliminated from playoff contention, positioned 13th in the league with 18 points. They had struggled throughout the season, managing only 5 wins against 8 losses. Their inability to maintain consistency in both attacking and defensive phases contributed to their disappointing season.
During the match, Necaxa showed flashes of potential, particularly in their defensive organization led by goalkeeper Ezequiel Unsaín, who had previously frustrated Cruz Azul's attack in earlier encounters. Manager Martín Varini expressed optimism about his team's growth, stating, "Before getting into what needs correcting, which there is, I think the team's evolution has shown a noticeable improvement in our competitive ability," according to reports.
With the Liga MX playoffs, known as the Liguilla, approaching, Cruz Azul will look to build on this victory as they prepare for the knockout stage. Their next match will be a test of their resilience and ability to capitalize on this newfound momentum. The team aims to leverage their home advantage and solidify their tactical approach under Huiqui.
Meanwhile, Necaxa will begin their offseason, needing to reassess their strategies and player performances to improve for the next season. The club's management will likely focus on strengthening the squad and improving their league position in the upcoming campaign.
The Liga MX playoffs are set to commence shortly, with Cruz Azul hoping to carry their momentum into the postseason and make a deep run for the championship. to see how the team adapts to Huiqui's coaching style and whether they can translate this victory into playoff success.
As the dust settles on the regular season, attention now shifts to the playoffs, where every match becomes a battle for glory. Cruz Azul's next challenge will be a defining moment in their season as they aim for a title run, with their first playoff match scheduled for May 1, 2026.