Cruz Azul has a different face

Yes, it is more intense and manages, at times, to excite its followers. However, it still needs more to be a contender, to overpower such a well-worked team like the leader Monterrey. It was a 1-1 draw that could have ended in a victory for the Celestials due to the enormous performance of their goalkeeper Jesús Corona, or in a defeat if the goalkeeper had not been a factor.

Rayados comfortably heads towards the playoffs

Rayados is comfortably heading towards the playoffs, with 17 points keeping them at the top of the standings; meanwhile, La Máquina moves optimistically with an undefeated streak that augurs something positive, but it needs to start winning consistently to be considered a real candidate for something.

A tepid match in the first minutes

The match was tepid in the first minutes, with Édgar Méndez having the first chance for Cruz Azul at minute 14; the Spaniard dribbled the ball from the left side and then took a left-footed shot that forced Hugo González to make a good save.

A lively end to the first half

Cruz Azul responded four minutes later when Enzo Roco headed the ball wide of Hugo's goal from a corner kick.

In the final stretch of the first half, the game came alive. Both teams seemed to save their emotions for the end, although most of them came from Rayados.

A missed penalty at the end of the first half

Rayados had the opportunity to take the lead before halftime after winning a penalty when Rogelio Funes Mori was fouled by Enzo Roco. However, Dorlan Pabón's shot was saved by Chuy Corona. Monterrey wasted another chance and the first 45 minutes ended without goals.

A great goal by Aldrete and a phenomenal performance by Chuy

Early in the second half, Cruz Azul scored. In the 51st minute, Adrián Aldrete received the ball on the left side, dribbled towards the center, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that beat González. 1-0, La Máquina was ahead.

The leader equalizes

Monterrey managed to equalize in the 82nd minute. Avilés Hurtado scored past Corona, despite the marking from Cruz Azul's defense. 1-1, a disappointing result after the desperate attempt to hold on to the lead.

The match ends in a draw

The time passed by without much action. What could have been a sweet and fulfilling victory ended as an acceptable draw, showing that Cruz Azul still has a long way to go to match the solidity and power of Monterrey, who are rightfully the league leaders.

But La Máquina doesn't seem like the same team as in previous tournaments, generating some optimism that suggests they are on the right track.