In a gripping encounter at the Olímpico Universitario, Cruz Azul emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against FC Juárez in the ninth round of Liga MX. The Bravos momentarily took the lead with goals from Rodolfo Pizarro in the 13th minute and Raymundo Fulgencio in the 18th. Despite this early pressure, Cruz Azul rallied with a stunning response, netting three goals to claim the match.
The scoring for Cruz Azul began at the first minute, where a well-crafted play led to Luka Romero finding the back of the net following a cross from Carlos Rodríguez. Gabriel Fernández doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, and José Paradela added a third just 13 minutes later, bringing the excitement to the home crowd.
Luka Romero was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing not only a goal but also making two attempts on goal. José Paradela also shone brightly, scoring once and attempting three shots throughout the match.
Cruz Azul’s head coach, Nicolás Larcamón, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, placing Kevin Mier in goal, supported by a defensive line of Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, and Gonzalo Piovi. The midfield featured Jorge Sánchez, Carlos Rodríguez, Luka Romero, and Rodolfo Rotondi, while the attacking trio consisted of José Paradela, Gabriel Fernández, and Lorenzo Faravelli.
On the other side, FC Juárez, under the management of Martín Varini, set up with a 4-4-2 formation. Sebastián Jurado guarded the goal, backed by a defensive line of Denzell García, Moisés Mosquera, Jesús Murillo, and Manuel Mayorga. The midfield comprised José Rodríguez, Guilherme Castilho, Homer Martínez, and Raymundo Fulgencio, while Rodolfo Pizarro teamed up with Óscar Estupiñán in front.
The officiating duties were handled by referee Ismael López Peñuelas, who oversaw the match effectively.
Looking ahead, Cruz Azul will be facing Querétaro at home, while FC Juárez will host Pumas UNAM. With this victory, Cruz Azul climbs to the top of the standings with 23 points, whereas FC Juárez remains in ninth place with 12 points.
Cruz Azul Substitutions
69’ 2T – Carlos Rodríguez off for Jeremy Márquez
76’ 2T – José Paradela off for Ignacio Rivero, Luka Romero off for Ángel Sepúlveda, Gabriel Fernández off for Mateusz Bogusz
83’ 2T – Lorenzo Faravelli off for Amaury García
Yellow Cards for Cruz Azul:
31’ 1T – José Paradela (Unsporting behavior)
FC Juárez Substitutions
59’ 2T – Jesús Murillo off for José García
77’ 2T – Óscar Estupiñán off for Ángel Zaldívar and Rodolfo Pizarro off for Ricardinho
84’ 2T – Raymundo Fulgencio off for Dieter Villalpando
Yellow Cards for FC Juárez:
23’ 1T – Óscar Estupiñán (Unsporting behavior), 2’ 2T – Jesús Murillo (Unsporting behavior)