Cruz Azul Misses Optimal Opportunity, Secures Unlikely Draw Against Querétaro

news">

Dramatic Draw as Blue Cross and Querétaro Share points

Mexico City – A captivating contest between Blue Cross and Querétaro concluded in a 2-2 draw during the Opening Day 2025 Liga MX action. The match, filled with goals, contentious calls, and a late equalizer, left fans on the edge of their seats.

Early Lead for Blue Cross

The encounter saw Blue Cross take the initiative, establishing an early advantage in the 14th minute.José Paradela skillfully found the back of the net, igniting cheers from the home crowd. However, the lead proved short-lived.

Querétaro Responds with Quick Fire Goals

Santiago Homenchenko swiftly leveled the score for Querétaro, capitalizing on a precise assist from Michael Carcelén. The momentum shifted dramatically as Homenchenko struck again before halftime, in the 35th minute, catching goalkeeper Kevin Mier off his line with a well-placed shot from outside the box.

Second Half Drama: Ejections and a Late Equalizer

The second half witnessed heightened intensity, accompanied by disciplinary action. Johan Julio of Querétaro received a red card in the 62nd minute, followed by Luka Romero of Blue Cross being sent off in the 75th minute.Despite playing with ten men, Querétaro appeared poised for victory.

However, the drama wasn’t over. In the dying moments of the match,Gabriel “El Toro” Fernández delivered a crucial equalizer for Blue Cross,securing a point for the Cement Machine. This result halted Blue Cross’s impressive run of seven consecutive victories, while Querétaro extended their unbeaten streak to one win and one draw.

Team	Goals	Key moments
Blue Cross	2	José Paradela – 14th minute,Gabriel Fernández – Late equalizer
Querétaro	2	Santiago Homenchenko – 2 goals (19th & 35th minutes)

Did You Know? Santiago Homenchenko’s two goals in the first half marked his first multi-goal game in Liga MX,solidifying his position as a rising star.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Gabriel Fernández; his late-game heroics demonstrate his value as a clutch performer for Blue Cross.

Liga MX: A League on the Rise

Liga MX continues to gain international recognition for its competitive spirit and talented players. In recent years, the league has attracted notable investment and seen an increase in viewership, both domestically and abroad. The league’s commitment to developing young talent is also noteworthy, with many promising Mexican players emerging through the system. Learn More About Liga MX.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Match

• What was the final score of the Blue Cross vs. Querétaro match? The final score was 2-2.
• Who scored the goals for Blue Cross? José Paradela and Gabriel Fernández scored for Blue Cross.
• Who was sent off for Querétaro? Johan Julio received a red card for Querétaro.
• Who was sent off for Blue Cross? Luka Romero received a red card for Blue Cross.
• Did this draw affect Blue Cross’s winning streak? Yes, the draw ended Blue Cross’s seven-game winning streak.

What did you think was the turning point of the match? Share your thoughts and predictions for the upcoming Liga MX season in the comments below!

What tactical adjustments did Mauro Gerk implement at halftime that led to Querétaro’s improved performance?

First Half Domination squandered: A Tactical Breakdown

Cruz Azul’s recent clash against Querétaro at Estadio La Corregidora on September 26, 2025, ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, a result that felt more like a loss for La Máquina. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous scoring chances in the first half, particularly through the dynamic play of Carlos Rotondi and the midfield creativity of Erick Lira, Cruz Azul failed to capitalize on their dominance.

* Possession Stats: Cruz Azul maintained 68% possession in the first 45 minutes,consistently probing the Querétaro defense.

* key Chances Missed: Uriel Antuna and Juan Escobar both had clear opportunities to score, but were denied by solid goalkeeping from Gil Alcalá and a last-ditch tackle respectively.

* Tactical Approach: manager Martín Anselmi opted for a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing width and quick passing, a strategy that initially overwhelmed Querétaro.

The opening goal finally arrived in the 32nd minute,a well-worked move finished off by a clinical strike from Rotondi. However, the inability to extend their lead proved costly. This mirrors a recurring theme for Cruz Azul this season – failing to convert periods of sustained pressure into a cozy advantage. Analyzing Liga MX results reveals a pattern of dropped points despite strong performances.

Querétaro’s Resurgence and the Turning Point

The second half witnessed a complete shift in momentum. Querétaro, under the guidance of Mauro Gerk, emerged wiht renewed energy and a more direct approach. Their focus shifted to exploiting the spaces left by Cruz Azul’s high defensive line.

* Strategic Shift: Gerk’s halftime adjustments involved a switch to a 4-4-2 formation, providing greater defensive solidity and allowing for quicker counter-attacks.

* Key Player Impact: the introduction of José Esquivel injected pace and directness into querétaro’s attack.

* Equalizer: In the 65th minute, a swift counter-attack culminated in a well-placed header from Kevin Escamilla, leveling the score and silencing the home crowd.

This goal completely deflated Cruz Azul. Their passing became rushed,and their attacking movements lacked the fluidity of the first half. The Apertura 2025 campaign is increasingly looking like a missed opportunity for a strong playoff push.

defensive Lapses and Anselmi’s Concerns

The draw exposed vulnerabilities in Cruz Azul’s defense, particularly their susceptibility to quick transitions. The central defensive pairing of Ramiro Funes Mori and Julio César Domínguez struggled to cope with the increased pressure from Querétaro’s forwards.

* Defensive errors: Several instances of miscommunication and slow reactions contributed to Querétaro’s attacking threat.

* Midfield Protection: The midfield trio of Lira, Igor Lichnovsky, and Jordan Silva failed to adequately shield the defense in the second half.

* Anselmi’s Post-Match comments: “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and more disciplined defensively,” Anselmi stated in the post-match press conference, highlighting the areas requiring immediate attention. He also acknowledged the need for improved tactical flexibility within the squad.

Impact on Liga MX Standings and Playoff Prospects

This result substantially impacts Cruz Azul’s playoff aspirations. While they remain in contention, the dropped points against Querétaro represent a setback.

* Current Standings: As of September 26, 2025, Cruz Azul sits in 7th place in the Liga MX table with 22 points.

* Playoff Qualification: the top 12 teams qualify for the Liguilla (playoffs).

* Remaining Schedule: Cruz Azul faces a challenging run of fixtures, including matches against América and Tigres UANL. Success in these games will be crucial for securing a playoff berth.

Querétaro’s Resilience: A Positive Sign for Los Gallos Blancos

For Querétaro, the draw represents a valuable point in their fight to avoid relegation. Their resilience and tactical adaptability were on full display.

* Relegation Battle: Querétaro currently occupies 16th place, just above the relegation zone.

* Gerk’s Influence: Mauro Gerk has instilled a fighting spirit in the team since taking over as manager.

* Future Outlook: With continued improvement in their defensive organization and attacking efficiency, Querétaro has a realistic chance of securing their Liga MX status.Analyzing Querétaro’s form suggests a team on the rise.