In the second round of the Liga MX, Cruz Azul faced off against Atlas, resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Estadio Jalisco. Despite leading the game and having opportunities to secure a win, Atlas mounted a remarkable comeback to level the score.
Atlas opened the scoring with a goal from Eduardo Aguirre in the 16th minute, followed by Diego Gonzalez adding another in the 30th minute. Matheus Doria extended the hosts’ lead with a goal in the 59th minute. Cruz Azul fought back, thanks to an impressive hat-trick from Ángel Sepúlveda, who found the net three times within twelve minutes, scoring at the 9th, 12th (penalty), and 44th minutes.
Cruz Azul dominated the shooting statistics, attempting 30 shots compared to Atlas’s 8, with 6 on target and 21 off.
The standout player was Ángel Sepúlveda, who not only scored a hat-trick but also took 6 shots at goal during the match. Eduardo Aguirre also played a pivotal role for Atlas with one goal and two shots.
Atlas’s coach, Gonzalo Pineda, deployed a 4-5-1 formation with Antonio Sánchez in goal, while the defensive line consisted of Gustavo Ferrareis, Gaddi Aguirre, Matheus Doria, and Rivaldo Lozano. The midfield included Aldo Rocha, Víctor Ríos, Diego Gonzalez, Sergio Hernández, and Eduardo Aguirre, supported by Uros Djurdjevic in the attack.
Cruz Azul, managed by Nicolás Larcamón, opted for a 4-4-2 setup, featuring Kevin Mier as goalkeeper. The defense comprised Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Rodolfo Rotondi, while Erik Lira, Luka Romero, Carlos Rodríguez, and José Paradela formed the midfield. Sepúlveda and Mateusz Bogusz led the front line.
The match was officiated by referee Luis Santander Aguirre.
In their next fixture, Atlas is set to visit CF Monterrey, while Cruz Azul will host León at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Currently, Atlas holds the third position with 4 points, while Cruz Azul sits in thirteenth place with 2 points in the standings.
Atlas Substitutions
– 59’ 2T: Sergio Hernández off, Alfonso González on
– 73’ 2T: Diego Gonzalez off, Gustavo Del Prete on; Gustavo Ferrareis off, Carlos Orrantia on
Yellow Cards for Atlas
– 43’ 1T: Antonio Sánchez (Delay of game)
- 48’ 2T: Aldo Rocha
Cruz Azul Substitutions
– 70’ 2T: Luka Romero off, Lorenzo Faravelli on
- 71’ 2T: Rodolfo Rotondi off, Omar Campos on
- 77’ 2T: Erik Lira off, Jeremy Márquez on
- 85’ 2T: Mateusz Bogusz off, Amaury Morales on; Jorge Sánchez off, Mateo Levy on; Uros Djurdjevic off, Matías Cóccaro on; Eduardo Aguirre off, Jesús Serrato on
Yellow Cards for Cruz Azul
– 21’ 1T: Erik Lira
- 36’ 2T: José Paradela