Cruz Azul’s interim coach Joel Huiqui made his debut on April 26, 2026, in a pivotal Liga MX clash against Necaxa. The match concluded with a scoreless draw at Estadio Azteca, leaving Cruz Azul’s playoff position shrouded in uncertainty.
Before this encounter, Cruz Azul stood fourth in the standings with 30 points. They had hoped to secure a victory that could elevate them to third place. Instead, the result extended their winless streak to seven matches—an alarming trend for a team with aspirations of success.
Necaxa arrived at the match already eliminated from postseason contention, sitting in 13th place with just 18 points. Historically, Cruz Azul has dominated this rivalry, winning three of their last five meetings against Necaxa. Yet, this time, they struggled to break through.
The match marked the first time Cruz Azul returned to the newly renovated Estadio Azteca. Fans anticipated a triumphant homecoming but left disappointed by the lack of goals. Cruz Azul had previously recorded 19 wins and 14 draws throughout the broader campaign—numbers that now feel hollow after this latest performance.
After the match, Martín Varini remarked on the team’s evolution: “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 words hint at optimism amidst frustration—a delicate balance for an interim coach trying to find his footing.
Now, Cruz Azul must wait for other results to finalize their standings before heading into the Liguilla knockout stage. Will they make it? Uncertainties loom large as they shift focus toward the playoffs. The stakes have never been higher for this team desperate to reclaim its former glory.
