Cruz Azul’s interim coach Joel Huiqui made his debut in a crucial Liga MX match against Necaxa on April 26, 2026. The game, held at the renovated Estadio Azteca, ended in a disappointing scoreless draw. This result leaves Cruz Azul uncertain about their playoff position as they await other match outcomes.
Before this match, Cruz Azul sat in fourth place with 30 points. They needed a victory to potentially climb to third. However, they faced a six-game winless streak leading into this encounter, which only added pressure to the new coach’s debut.
Necaxa, on the other hand, had already been eliminated from postseason contention and arrived at the match with just 18 points, sitting in 13th place. Historically, Cruz Azul has dominated previous encounters against Necaxa, winning three of their last five meetings. Yet this time, they struggled to capitalize on their home advantage.
Despite the lack of goals, Cruz Azul showcased some improvement under Huiqui’s guidance. Martín Varini commented 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.” This optimism may be crucial as they prepare for the Liguilla knockout stage.
The match concluded an eventful regular season for Cruz Azul, who recorded 19 wins and 14 draws throughout their campaign. Their inability to secure a win against Necaxa means they now must wait for other results to confirm their final standings and playoff eligibility.
As fans reflect on this lackluster performance at Estadio Azteca—where expectations were high—questions linger about what lies ahead for Cruz Azul. Will Huiqui’s leadership lead to better results in the playoffs? The uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming knockout stage.