Expectations were sky-high at the Estadio Nemesio Diez on February 7, 2026, as Toluca and Cruz Azul—two of Liga MX’s most formidable squads—locked horns in a match that had all the makings of a classic. With both teams separated by just a single point in the standings and the promise of a packed stadium, fans knew they were in for a treat. And boy, did the match deliver drama, grit, and a fair share of tactical intrigue.
Heading into the contest, Cruz Azul, affectionately known as "La Máquina," sat third in the league with nine points from three wins and a single loss over four matches. Toluca, the reigning bicampeón, was hot on their heels—unbeaten with eight points, courtesy of two wins and two draws. The Red Devils had yet to taste defeat, and their home fortress was buzzing with anticipation. The stakes? Not just points, but bragging rights and early momentum in the Clausura 2026 title race.
The opening stages were tense, with both sides jostling for control in midfield. The ball zipped around, but clear-cut chances were rare as each team’s defensive unit stood firm. Toluca’s fans, ever the passionate bunch, roared their approval every time their side pressed forward, while Cruz Azul’s traveling faithful made their voices heard in the high-altitude air of Toluca.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 41st minute, and it was the ever-reliable Paulinho who provided the spark. After a slick move down the left, Jesús Gallardo whipped in a low cross that found its way to the Portuguese striker. Paulinho, who had been waiting to complete his scoring set against every Liga MX team, made no mistake. He slotted the ball home, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and adding Cruz Azul to his list of conquests. According to reports, "Paulinho, who arrived in Mexican football in the summer of 2024, can now boast that he has scored against every team in Liga MX with Toluca."
With the hosts buoyed by the opener, the Red Devils nearly doubled their lead early in the second half. At the 62nd minute, Santiago Simón sent in a dangerous cross from the right, slicing through Cruz Azul’s defense. The ball found Gallardo at the far post, but with the goal at his mercy, he blazed his shot over the bar. It was a let-off for La Máquina, and a moment that would prove pivotal.
Just a couple of minutes later, the script flipped. Cruz Azul’s bench called upon their newest signing, Nigerian forward Christian Ebere, who had landed in Mexico City just over 24 hours prior. Ebere entered the fray at the 64th minute, and his impact was almost immediate. With his trademark speed and physicality, he battled for a loose ball in the Toluca penalty area. The ball ricocheted into the path of José Paradela, who pounced and fired home the equalizer in the 77th minute. The away end erupted, as did Paradela’s teammates, for the Argentine midfielder had now scored in five straight matches—a remarkable streak that included goals against Atlas, Puebla, Juárez, and Vancouver FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
"José Paradela has become the main figure for Cruz Azul," noted one source, highlighting his heroics not only in Liga MX but also on the continental stage. Paradela’s knack for finding the net in crucial moments has turned him into something of a cult hero among the Cruz Azul faithful. His latest strike ensured that La Máquina left Toluca with a hard-earned point.
The match was not without its quirks off the pitch. Due to the expulsions of head coach Nicolás Larcamón and assistant Javier Berges, Cruz Azul’s technical area was managed by an unusual duo: physical trainer Juan Gutiérrez and video analyst Miguelangel Vásquez. The pair, equipped with headsets, relayed instructions from Larcamón and kept the players motivated from the sidelines. Gutiérrez took charge of tactical directions, while Vásquez meticulously tracked the action with a blue marker on his tactical board. "Juan Gutiérrez and Miguelangel Vásquez took to the pitch with a black earpiece, communicating with Nicolás Larcamón," the reports confirmed. It was a testament to Cruz Azul’s adaptability and collective spirit.
On the pitch, 19-year-old Mateo Levy was handed the responsibility of leading the line for Cruz Azul, a nod to his potential and the squad’s need for fresh legs following Gabriel Fernández’s suspension and Ebere’s late arrival. Levy battled valiantly for 63 minutes, often finding himself in duels with Toluca’s defensive anchor Andrés Pereira. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his work rate and willingness to challenge a seasoned backline did not go unnoticed.
The tactical chess match between two of Mexico’s most powerful rosters kept fans on the edge of their seats. Neither side was able to carve out a decisive advantage after Paradela’s equalizer, and the final whistle signaled a 1-1 draw—a result that, while perhaps frustrating for both, underlined their credentials as genuine title contenders.
The result leaves Cruz Azul and Toluca still neck-and-neck in the standings, each with much to play for in the coming weeks. Toluca will look to build on their unbeaten run when they host Tijuana at the Nemesio Diez on February 13. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul faces a hectic schedule: they’ll host Vancouver FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup first round on February 12 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, followed by a Liga MX clash against Tigres on February 15.
For Cruz Azul, the positive takeaway is clear: they’ve shown resilience on the road, their new signing Ebere has already made an impression, and Paradela’s hot streak continues. For Toluca, the missed chances will sting, but their unbeaten record remains intact, and Paulinho’s milestone goal adds another chapter to his Liga MX journey.
As the dust settles on this high-octane encounter, both sets of fans can look forward to what promises to be a thrilling race for the Clausura 2026 crown. With so much left to play for, it’s safe to say the best is yet to come in Liga MX.