Cruz Azul’s impressive run of 15 matches without a loss has come to an end. The defeat came against Pachuca in Jornada 13 of the Clausura 2026, with a final score of 2-1. This match saw Cruz Azul under manager Nicolás Larcamón struggle at Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
Early Error Costs Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul conceded the first goal early in the match. A mistake by goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño in the fourth minute allowed Kenedy to capitalise, putting Pachuca ahead. This early goal put Cruz Azul on the back foot for much of the first half.
Pachuca’s high press caused problems for Cruz Azul in the first half. Larcamón made a substitution in the 30th minute in response to the pressure.
Ebere’s Surprising Role
Christian Ebere was a surprise inclusion in Nicolás Larcamón’s starting eleven. The Nigerian player, who hadn’t started a match since arriving at Cruz Azul, played as a left wing-back. This was notable because Rodolfo Rotondi usually plays in that position, but Omar Campos had been filling in due to Rotondi’s injury.
Ebere played for 80 minutes and scored Cruz Azul’s only goal. Despite his goal, he struggled defensively. In the final 10 minutes, he switched to the right wing, where he appeared more effective.
Lira’s Late Entrance
Erik Lira, who played 168 minutes for the Mexican national team during the March FIFA window, did not start the match. The Cruz Azul captain entered the game in the 80th minute. His presence was immediately felt, providing leadership and making timely interventions to prevent Pachuca from scoring a third goal.
Palavecino’s Absence Felt
Agustín Palavecino missed the match against Pachuca due to an accumulation of yellow cards. He received his fifth yellow card of the tournament in the previous match against Mazatlán. Cruz Azul missed the Argentine midfielder, who partners José Paradela in the centre of the pitch, with the team lacking attacking imagination in his absence.
End of an Era
Prior to this defeat, Cruz Azul had gone 15 matches unbeaten, recording eleven wins and four draws in Liga MX and Concacaf Champions Cup matches. Cruz Azul’s last defeat was on January 10 in the opening match of the Clausura 2026 season, a 2-1 loss against León.