Cruz Azul returned to show its most discreet version and fell at the Azteca Stadium by 2-1 against Pachuca, in the match corresponding to the second round of the 2022 Apertura Tournament of the Liga MX. The 'Cement Machine' had several chances to score, however, the 'Tuzos' were able to maintain control of the game thanks to their advantage.
On a night where the rain stayed away from southern Mexico City so that both Hidalgo-born teams could meet for the first time in the soccer year. Guillermo Almada's players were the ones who best settled on the field of the Tlalpan venue.
Pachuca saw their efforts reflected on the scoreboard in the 35th minute with a goal from Gustavo Cabral, who found himself alone in the area and scored a powerful header to beat Sebastián Jurado, who had already made a couple of interventions.
Before the half-time whistle, Luis Chávez had confidence and connected with the ball from outside the area, and although Jurado made the effort, the ball lodged in the cement goal to give Pachuca a resounding 0-2 advantage.
Sebastián Jurado became a factor for the visitors not to score more goals, as he saved his goal on at least three occasions. A bicycle kick from Santiago Giménez made Cruz Azul fans hopeful, but Carlos Moreno, Pachuca's goalkeeper, made a good save.
La Máquina scored a goal in injury time with a penalty awarded and taken by Santi Giménez, who scored for the third consecutive game, however, time was insufficient for the home team and they suffered their first defeat of the tournament. Pachuca took the lead in the tournament by achieving another victory, while La Máquina remained stuck on three points.
With information from EFE.
CRUZ AZUL VS. PACHUCA: MINUTE BY MINUTE
Cruz Azul vs. Pachuca: possible lineups
- Cruz Azul: Sebastián Jurado, Juan Escobar, Julio César 'Cata' Domínguez, Luis Abram, Alejandro Mayorga, Erik Lira, Christian Tabó, Ángel Romero, Rafael Baca, Uriel Antuna, and Santiago Giménez.
- Pachuca: Carlos Moreno, Kevin Álvarez, Gustavo Cabral, Miguel Tapias, Mauricio Isais, Érick Sánchez, Luis Chávez, Jesús Hernández, Víctor Guzmán, Avilés Hurtado, Nicolás Ibáñez.
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