Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC Clash Lights Up Liga MX

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC collide on 13 July 2025 at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, and the capital is already buzzing for a Liga MX duel that could redefine each club’s trajectory heading into the Apertura’s mid-summer stretch. Below, we break down form, tactics, key players and the storylines that will dominate matchday chatter.

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC: Form Guide and Stakes

Cruz Azul arrive revitalised under Martín Anselmi, harvesting 10 points from their last four league outings. A tightened back line has conceded just twice during that span, and midfielder Uriel Antuna is flourishing in a free-roaming No. 10 role. By contrast, Mazatlán, coached by Víctor Manuel Vucetich, have slipped to 14th after three successive defeats. They urgently need a result to prevent an early-season spiral and prove they belong among Mexico’s top flight after another ambitious transfer window.

Key Players to Watch

La Máquina’s Power Trio

1. Carlos Rodríguez – orchestrates tempo with 88 % pass accuracy.
2. Uriel Antuna – four goals, three assists, unstoppable in transition.
3. Willer Ditta – aerially dominant centre-back who anchors the high line.

Los Cañoneros’ Difference-Makers

1. Jefferson Intriago – set-piece specialist, vital for unlocking tight defences.
2. Eduard Bello – pacy winger, averages 3.1 successful dribbles per game.
3. Andrés Montaño – box-to-box engine, covers more than 11 km each match.

Tactical Blueprint

Cruz Azul’s Fluid 4-2-3-1

Anselmi demands aggressive pressing from the front. Rodríguez drops between the centre-backs to launch vertical passes, while Antuna drifts wide to overload flanks. Full-backs Ignacio Rivero and Rodrigo Huescas push high, forcing opponents to defend deep and narrow.

Mazatlán’s Compact 4-4-2

Vucetich favours defensive rigidity, with double pivots shielding the back four. Quick outlets to Bello and Colula spark counters, and late runs from Montaño aim to exploit second balls inside the box. Expect them to cede possession — they average just 41 % this season — and rely on set pieces to strike.

Head-to-Head History

Since Mazatlán’s 2020 inception, these sides have met eight times: Cruz Azul lead with five wins, Mazatlán boast two, and one draw rounds out the ledger. Notable memories include the 3-2 thriller in December 2023 when Antuna’s stoppage-time rocket clinched victory, and the 2-1 Mazatlán upset last spring that cost Cruz Azul a top-four seeding.

Projected Starting XIs

Cruz Azul

M. Gudiño; Huescas, Ditta, Escobar, Rivero; Lira, Rodríguez; Rotondi, Antuna, Sepúlveda; Cambindo.

Mazatlán FC

Gutiérrez; Colula, Barbosa, Nervo, Padilla; Bello, Montaño, Intriago, Colman; Bárcenas, Meraz.

Injuries, Suspensions and Squad News

Cruz Azul remain without right-back Juan Escobar (hamstring) and winger Moisés Vieira (knee) until early August. Mazatlán’s Jorge Padilla (ankle) is a late doubt, while experienced forward Ariel Nahuelpán returns from suspension and could feature off the bench.

Stat Corner

• Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC matches average 2.75 goals.
• La Máquina score first in 62 % of Liga MX fixtures.
• Mazatlán take the fewest shots per game in the division (7.9).
• Cruz Azul have completed 85 % of their passes, second-best league-wide.
• Antuna has created 17 chances, joint-most among Mexican attackers this term.

Live Commentary and Broadcast Info

Kick-off is slated for 20:00 CDT. Mexican audiences can tune in via TUDN and ViX+, while international viewers should check local listings. Goal.com will provide minute-by-minute text commentary, instant stats and post-match analysis.

What a Win Would Mean

Victory for Cruz Azul would solidify their top-three ambitions and strengthen belief in Anselmi’s evolving blueprint. A Mazatlán shock, however, could ignite their campaign, silence critics, and thrust Vucetich back into managerial folklore.

Match Prediction

Form and depth point to a home triumph. Expect Cruz Azul to dictate possession, stretch the pitch through overlapping full-backs and carve out high-quality chances. Mazatlán’s low block may frustrate early, but once the first goal arrives the floodgates could open.

Predicted score: Cruz Azul 3-1 Mazatlán FC.

Opinion: Momentum Favors La Máquina

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC encapsulates the contrasting fortunes of two clubs heading in opposite directions. La Máquina have married defensive resilience with attacking flair, a balance they lacked in recent seasons. If Antuna continues his purple patch and Rodríguez pulls the strings unchecked, the capital faithful should witness another statement victory. Mazatlán’s best hope lies in disciplined defending and ruthless counter-attacks, but stopping this Cruz Azul juggernaut at home feels a step too far.