In a thrilling encounter at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Cruz Azul managed to claim an important 3-2 victory over FC Juárez during the ninth round of Liga MX. The Bravos initially took control with goals from Rodolfo Pizarro in the 13th minute and Raymundo Fulgencio just five minutes later. However, the home team bounced back, overpowering goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado and celebrating their success thanks to goals from Luka Romero (1’), Gabriel Fernández (22’), and José Paradela (35’).
The opening goal came from an impressive play by Luka Romero, who connected with a cross from Carlos Rodríguez and found the back of the net in the first minute of the match.
Luka Romero stood out as the match’s most valuable player, scoring once and attempting two shots on goal.
Another key player for Cruz Azul was José Paradela, who not only scored but also tested the opposing goalkeeper with three shots.
Cruz Azul’s coach, Nicolás Larcamón, adopted a 3-4-3 formation with Kevin Mier in goal; Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, and Gonzalo Piovi forming the defense; Jorge Sánchez, Carlos Rodríguez, Luka Romero, and Rodolfo Rotondi in the midfield; while José Paradela, Gabriel Fernández, and Lorenzo Faravelli led the attack.
On the other hand, FC Juárez, led by Martín Varini, took to the field with a 4-4-2 setup. Sebastián Jurado guarded the goal, supported by defenders Denzell García, Moisés Mosquera, Jesús Murillo, and Manuel Mayorga; José Rodríguez, Guilherme Castilho, Homer Martínez, and Raymundo Fulgencio in midfield; with Rodolfo Pizarro and Óscar Estupiñán up front.
The officiating duties were handled by referee Ismael López Peñuelas.
Looking ahead, Cruz Azul will face Querétaro at home in their next match, while FC Juárez will host Pumas UNAM.
With this win, Cruz Azul climbs to the top of the table with 23 points, whereas FC Juárez remains in ninth position with 12 points.
Substitutions for Cruz Azul
69’ 2T – Carlos Rodríguez out for Jeremy Márquez
76’ 2T – José Paradela out for Ignacio Rivero, Luka Romero out for Ángel Sepúlveda, Gabriel Fernández out for Mateusz Bogusz
83’ 2T – Lorenzo Faravelli out for Amaury García
Yellow Cards for Cruz Azul:
31’ 1T – José Paradela (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for FC Juárez
59’ 2T – Jesús Murillo out for José García
77’ 2T – Óscar Estupiñán out for Ángel Zaldívar, Rodolfo Pizarro out for Ricardinho
84’ 2T – Raymundo Fulgencio out for Dieter Villalpando
Yellow Cards for FC Juárez:
23’ 1T – Óscar Estupiñán (Unsporting Behavior) and 2’ 2T – Jesús Murillo (Unsporting Behavior)