Cruz Azul’s impressive run of 15 matches without a loss ended with a 2-1 defeat to Pachuca in Jornada 13 of the Clausura 2026. The match, which took place at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, saw what has been described as one of Cruz Azul’s poorest performances under the management of Nicolás Larcamón. Several factors combined, leading to the team being outplayed.
Early Error Costs Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul conceded the opening goal within the first four minutes due to an error by Andrés Gudiño. The goalkeeper’s attempt to play the ball out from the back resulted in him gifting possession to Kenedy, who capitalised by scoring. This early setback put Cruz Azul on the back foot for much of the first half.
Pachuca’s high press caused problems for Cruz Azul during the first half, arguably their worst minutes under Nicolás Larcamón. In response, the Argentinian manager made a substitution in the 30th minute.
Surprise Selection and Tactical Tweaks
Omar Campos was sent to warm up in the 25th minute. Despite Christian Ebere, usually an attacking player, being deployed as an improvised left wing-back, the coach chose to replace Jorge Rodarte. Rodarte had been a regular in Cruz Azul’s recent matches, playing in one of his usual positions.
Christian Ebere’s inclusion in Nicolás Larcamón’s starting eleven was unexpected, especially since the Nigerian had not started a match since joining Cruz Azul. He featured as a left wing-back, a position normally occupied by Rodolfo Rotondi, although Omar Campos had been filling in due to the Argentinian’s injury.
Christian Ebere played for 80 minutes, scoring Cruz Azul’s only goal in what was described as a fortunate play, but struggled defensively. In the final 10 minutes of his time on the pitch, he moved to the right wing, where he appeared more dangerous.
Lira’s Late Impact and Palavecino’s Absence
Nicolás Larcamón opted not to start Erik Lira, who had played 168 minutes for the Mexican national team during the March FIFA window. The Cruz Azul captain entered the match in the 80th minute, and his presence was immediately felt through his leadership, positioning, and timely interventions to prevent Pachuca from scoring a third goal.
Agustín Palavecino missed the game against Pachuca due to accumulating yellow cards, having received his fifth of the tournament in the previous match against Mazatlán. Cruz Azul felt the absence of the Argentinian midfielder, who partners José Paradela in the centre of the pitch, with the team lacking imagination in attack.
End of an Era
- Cruz Azul’s 15-match unbeaten run included eleven wins and four draws.
- The run spanned Liga MX and Concacaf Champions Cup matches.
- Cruz Azul’s previous defeat was on January 10 in the opening matchday of Clausura 2026.
- They lost 2-1 to León.
Prior to the defeat against Pachuca, Cruz Azul had gone 15 games unbeaten, recording eleven victories and four draws in Liga MX and Concacaf Champions Cup matches.