Matías Grande shoots with aim towards the semifinals

Cruz Azul is crowned Mexican soccer super champion

Cruz Azul defeated Antonio Mohamed’s Toluca 3-1 at the Dignity Health Sports Park, in Los Angeles. With this victory, he was left with the Champion of Champions and confirmed his dominance in national football.

José Paradela and Carlos Rodríguez were the figures of the meeting. Paradela opened the scoring in the 31st minute, after an assist from Rodríguez. Toluca tied at 45+4′ with a free kick from Alexis Vega. However, at 55′, the light blue duo combined again: Rodríguez assisted Paradela to make it 2-1.

The second goal unleashed the absolute control of Cruz Azul. In the 61st minute, Paradela executed a direct free kick that goalkeeper Luis García could not stop. The score of 3-1 defined the match and left the Red Devils without reaction.

With this title, the team led by Joel Huiqui confirms its status as the best team of the moment. They are the current champions of Liga MX and now also super champions. In the Apertura 2026 they have two consecutive victories.

Cruz Azul is emerging as a strong candidate for the two-time championship. The superiority shown on the field in Los Angeles leaves no doubt about his present.

With a goal in injury time, Chivas achieved its first victory in the Apertura 2026. It was 0-1 against the Bravos de Juárez, in a match where the Rebaño Sagrado dominated but lacked forcefulness.

When the clock showed less than 30 seconds left, Roberto ‘Piojo’ Alvarado appeared in the center of the area to define. The goal was possible thanks to a cross from Ricardo Marín, who received a pass from Efraín Álvarez. Alvarado, with a subtle touch, beat goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado, who had had a solid performance.

A start with ups and downs

Chivas had debuted at home with a loss against Toluca. The pressure grew, and the team led by the Argentine strategist needed to add three. Although the performance was superior to that of its rival, the lack of clarity in attack was evident. The coach moved pieces during the match until he found the combination that would unlock the scoreboard.

The semi-final reached in the previous tournament, added to the participation of several players in the World Cup, generated high expectations for this season. However, the start has been complicated. Yesterday, against a defensively organized Juárez, Chivas had to wait until the end to celebrate.

The Sacred Flock comes into this semester as one of the candidates for the title, along with the current champion Cruz Azul. But he needs to improve his effectiveness if he wants to fight for the crown.

Key fact: 0-1 was the final score, with a goal in the 90+5 minute.

River Plate stumbles at home

River Plate began the Clausura Tournament with a 1-0 loss to Barracas Central at the Monumental. The only goal was the work of Gonzalo Morales at 21 minutes.

It was the first victory of the club chaired by Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia against the millionaires in official matches.

The match marked the debut of Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Correa with River. Otamendi, runner-up in the world, returned to Argentine football after 16 years abroad and was captain. The Colombian Rafael Santos Borré also returned after five seasons. Both were starters under the direction of Ariel Broggi, who replaced the suspended Eduardo Coudet.

Before the start, Otamendi and Gonzalo Montiel received recognition for their participation in the world champion team in Qatar 2022.

Domination without a goal

River was imprecise and did not find clarity in front of the goal. Barracas went into the break with an advantage thanks to a play by Rodrigo Insúa: his shot was cleared by Santiago Beltrán, but the ball went to Morales to score.

In the second half, River could not tie against an opponent who defended and managed time. The best opportunity was a free kick by Facundo Colidio that hit the crossbar in the 54th minute. Correa entered at 66 in place of Colidio.

“The responsibility is always ours. We have to continue working,” Otamendi declared on TV. “I understand people’s anger. We are in the best club in Argentina. We lacked patience. Generate scoring chances.”

Other results

Newell’s Old Boys defeated Talleres 1-0 with a penalty from Matías Cóccaro in the 54th minute. It was Jorge Sampaoli’s debut as Talleres coach in the first division. The visitor Román Riquelme was sent off at 85.

Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, in the relegation zone, beat Tigre 1-0 with a goal from Sergio Ojeda. Lanús beat San Lorenzo 1-0 with a goal from Colombian Yoshan Valois in the 64th.