Cruz Azul looks to build momentum against Puebla in Clausura 2026 clash

An intriguing Liga MX clash awaits as Cruz Azul heads to Estadio Cuauhtémoc to face Puebla, with both sides eager to consolidate early-season form. After mixed results in the opening rounds of the Clausura 2026, each team is chasing its second victory of the campaign, making this a pivotal contest in the early standings. Cruz Azul currently sits fifth, while Puebla is keen to leverage home advantage to climb the table and regain confidence after a slow start.

CRUZ AZUL’S TACTICAL SETUP

Head coach Nicolás Larcamón is expected to field a lineup that balances defensive solidity with attacking flexibility. Cruz Azul impressed in their previous match with a 2-0 win over Atlas, demonstrating crisp passing, disciplined positioning, and a willingness to transition quickly from defense to attack. The lineup suggests Larcamón is prioritizing a structured midfield to control tempo while allowing his wingers and forwards freedom to exploit spaces on the flanks.

PROJECTED STARTING XI

Here are some preditions, as given by the publication Filmogaz:

Goalkeeper: Andrés Gudiño
Defenders: Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Gonzalo Piovi
Right Wing-Back: Jorge Sánchez
Left Wing-Back: Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi
Midfielders: Jeremy Márquez, Agustín Palavecino
Attacking Midfielders: Carlos Rodríguez, José Paradela
Forward: Gabriel Fernández

Cruz Azul will likely rely on a mix of possession play through the center and wide attacks to stretch Puebla’s defense. Key players such as Agustín Palavecino and Carlos Rodríguez will be central to creating opportunities and dictating the rhythm of the game.

PUEBLA’S EXPECTED APPROACH

“La Franja” is expected to embrace an energetic, attacking style at home, focusing on speed and quick transitions to catch Cruz Azul off guard. Their lineup blends experience and youthful energy, aiming to pressure the ball early and create fast breaks:

Goalkeeper: Daniel Gutiérrez
Defenders: Fernando Monárrez, Eduardo Navarro, Nicolás Díaz, Brayan Garnica
Midfielders: Carlos Baltazar, Luis Rey, Alejandro Organista
Forwards: Emiliano Gómez, Esteban Lozano, Edgar Guerra

Puebla will look to exploit spaces behind the wing-backs and challenge Cruz Azul’s defensive cohesion. If they can maintain intensity throughout the match, they have the tools to disrupt the visitors’ rhythm and create scoring opportunities.

GAME OUTLOOK

While Cruz Azul enters as the favorite based on recent form and squad depth, the match is poised to be a tactical battle. Puebla’s high-energy approach and home support could test the visitors’ defensive resilience. The outcome may hinge on which side can control the midfield, convert key chances, and manage the tempo of play over 90 minutes. Fans should expect an open, competitive game with momentum swinging in bursts, where tactical execution and individual brilliance could decide the result.