As the Apertura 2026 regular season winds down, Cruz Azul has made it clear they are not satisfied with just one title. After lifting the Clausura 2026 trophy, La Máquina has stormed through the current campaign with the kind of consistency that defines dynasties. They enter the Liguilla as the favorite to go back-to-back, and the numbers back that up.
Manager Joel Huiqui has built a squad that blends attacking firepower with defensive discipline, and the results speak for themselves. With nine wins in fifteen matches and a four-game winning streak to close the regular season, the cementeros have seized control of the standings. That late surge is exactly the kind of momentum teams need heading into the high-pressure, two-legged playoff series that define Mexican football.
An attack that keeps opponents on edge
Cruz Azul's offensive output has been a constant threat all season. They've netted 37 goals, the second-highest total in the league, and they do it with a rotating cast of contributors. Nicolás Ibáñez, Gabriel Fernández, Andrés Montaño, and José Paradela have all taken turns tormenting defenses, making it nearly impossible for opponents to key in on one player. That versatility is a nightmare for any backline preparing for a playoff matchup.
But it's not just about scoring. The team's pressing game has become a hallmark under Huiqui, who adjusted his tactical approach early in the season and found a system that works. They recover the ball high up the pitch, transition quickly, and move the ball through midfield with purpose. It's a style that keeps opponents off balance and creates chances in bunches.
Championship pedigree matters
Winning a title in Liga MX is never easy, but doing it twice in a row requires a special kind of mental toughness. Cruz Azul's core group has been through the grind of playoff football, and that experience is invaluable. They know how to manage the emotional swings of a two-legged series, how to protect a lead on the road, and how to step up in the moments that matter most. That composure is something you can't coach—it has to be earned.
The team's depth is another reason for optimism. From goalkeepers Kevin Mier and Andrés Gudiño to experienced outfield players like Erik Lira, Ignacio Rivero, and Agustín Palavecino, Huiqui has quality options at every position. That depth will be crucial if the playoffs stretch into multiple rounds, where fatigue and injuries can derail even the best-laid plans.
For fans of Mexican football, this Cruz Azul side is a reminder of what makes the Liguilla so compelling. The margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin, and the team that handles pressure best usually comes out on top. La Máquina has already proven they can do that once. Now they're aiming to do it again.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on the Estadio Azteca and the teams chasing the trophy. But if the regular season is any indication, Cruz Azul is the team to beat. Their blend of talent, experience, and momentum makes them a formidable opponent for anyone in the Liguilla.
