Cruz Azul’s recent performance in the Liga MX has seen both triumphs and challenges as they faced off against Mazatlán at Estadio El Encanto on March 1, 2025. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams searching for more as the season progresses.
The game kicked off with Cruz Azul controlling possession and pressing to get on the scoreboard first. Their efforts soon paid off when Mateusz Bogusz scored his first professional goal with a spectacular strike from a free kick at the 62-minute mark. Following the goal, Cruz Azul celebrated, believing they could secure the victory.
“The goal was my first professional goal, and it felt amazing,” Bogusz shared after the match. The visitors gained confidence after the lead, adopting a more defensive stance, inadvertently allowing Mazatlán to find their rhythm.
Despite their efforts to hold onto their lead, Cruz Azul faced pressure from the home side. Mazatlán had several scoring opportunities but were initially kept at bay by Cruz Azul’s defense. Unfortunately for the visitors, their defense faltered late, leading to a heart-stopping moment. Just four minutes before the end of regular time, Mazatlán was awarded a penalty after Ángel Sepúlveda was fouled in the box.
After reviewing the play through VAR, the referee made the decisive call, and Nicolás Benedetti calmly converted the penalty, ensuring his team walked away with at least one point. This late equalizer was precisely the spark Mazatlán needed and highlighted the frustrations Cruz Azul encountered at the end of the match.
“Hugo González was exceptional today; he kept us in the game,” noted Vicente Sanchez, acknowledging the standout performance of Mazatlán’s goalkeeper who thwarted multiple attempts by Cruz Azul to extend their lead earlier.
The result leaves Cruz Azul positioned fifth on the Liga MX table, maintaining their place as one of the more competitive teams this season. They have earned 17 points from their first nine matches, with notable success coming from their previous match against Queretaro, where they secured a tight 1-0 victory.
Reflecting on the season, Sanchez commented, “Cruz Azul is about consistency; we need to keep pushing for the top.” His words echo the sentiment shared among fans and analysts alike, recognizing the team’s potential yet acknowledging the need for more decisive performances as the season continues.
Overall, this match against Mazatlán served as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where games can shift dramatically within moments. While the draw may feel like two points dropped for Cruz Azul, the experience gained from close encounters like these will be invaluable as they move forward through the grueling fixtures of Liga MX.
Looking toward the next rounds, Cruz Azul will be mindful of both their strengths and areas requiring improvement. With several key matches approaching, the team aims to solidify their place among the top contenders of the league, driven by the supporters and the aspirations for greatness.