Cruz Azul’s interim coach Joel Huiqui made his managerial debut during a decisive Liga MX encounter against Necaxa on April 26, 2026. The match took place at the Estadio Azteca and concluded in a scoreless draw, leaving Cruz Azul uncertain about their playoff position as they concluded the regular season of the Clausura 2026.
Before this match, Cruz Azul occupied fourth place with 30 points while Necaxa had already been eliminated from postseason contention, arriving in 13th place with just 18 points. This context added weight to the importance of the game for Cruz Azul, who could have climbed to third place with a victory.
However, despite a promising history—having won three of their last five encounters against Necaxa—Cruz Azul extended their winless streak to seven games with this result. The team had struggled recently, and this match marked their first return to the renovated Estadio Azteca after a significant refurbishment.
In terms of overall performance during the campaign, Cruz Azul recorded 19 wins and 14 draws. Yet, the disappointing result against Necaxa leaves them waiting for other outcomes to determine their final standing in the league. Sources indicate that officials have not yet clarified how this draw will affect their playoff seeding.
Following the match, Martín Varini commented on the team’s growth despite obvious areas needing improvement: “Before getting into what needs correcting, which there is, I think the team’s evolution has shown a noticeable improvement in our competitive ability.” His assessment reflects both optimism and concern regarding the team’s trajectory as they prepare for the Liguilla knockout stage.
As Cruz Azul shifts focus to potential playoff scenarios, they must also address persistent issues that have plagued them throughout the latter part of the season. With uncertainties surrounding their final position and upcoming matches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how results unfold in the coming days.
