The possible starting lineup of Cruz Azul to face Puebla

Breaking: Cruz Azul Heads to Puebla for High-Stakes Clausura 2026 Matchday 3 showdown

Breaking news from the Liga MX clausura 2026: Cruz Azul travels to the Cuauhtémoc Stadium on Saturday night to face Puebla in Matchday 3. Both clubs arrive with identical pressure—three points from their first two games—and both are eager to seize momentum early in the season.

The Puebla side, guided by Nicolás Larcamón, recently regained its winning touch with a 2-0 victory over Atlas, signaling renewed confidence and tactical versatility. Cruz Azul, aiming to capitalize on a promising start, seeks to solidify a position near the top of the table and prove its early-season form is lasting.

What to Watch

Expect a tactical duel that could hinge on how each team handles transitions. Puebla is anticipated to press with intent and use width to stretch Cruz Azul’s defense, while Cruz Azul may emphasize balance at the back and fast distribution to trigger attacks on the flanks. The clash represents a pivotal early-season test that could shape both teams’ trajectories in clausura 2026.

Formation Outlook

Analysts suggest Cruz Azul could line up in a 3-4-2-1, emphasizing wing play and compact defense, while Puebla might opt for a 4-3-3 setup designed to control midfield and exploit space on the counter. The tactical choices made on Saturday night will likely set the tone for the teams’ approach in the coming weeks.

At-a-Glance: Key Facts

Event	Cruz Azul vs Puebla
Competition	Liga MX — Clausura 2026 (Matchday 3)
Venue	Cuauhtémoc Stadium, Puebla
Current Form	Both teams have 3 points from two games
Recent Puebla Result	2-0 win over Atlas in the latest round

Evergreen Insights for the Season

Early-season fixtures like this reveal how teams adapt to opponents and adjust their tempo. Tactical flexibility—such as changing formations or pressing intensity—often translates into better results as the Clausura progresses.Observers can gain a window into long-term form by watching how teams balance defense with attacking intent in the opening weeks.

For broader context on Liga MX schedules and analysis, consider checking the official league site and reputable outlets that cover the competition’s evolving tactics and standings:
Liga MX Official Site •
FIFA.

reader questions: Which formation would you deploy for Cruz azul in this matchup? Do you expect Puebla’s wingers to exploit space on the counter?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as these two clubs chase an early-season statement.

>Leadership at the back; threat on corners. LB Luis Ramos 1 assist,4 successful dribbles per match Provides width; expected too deliver crosses for the striker. DM Carlos Vargas 2 goals, 6 interceptions in last 4 fixtures deep‑lying playmaker; controls tempo and protects the defense. DM Fernando Mendoza 1 assist, 5 tackles per game Box‑to‑box energy; links defence to attack. RW Héctor Álvarez 5 goals, 3 assists in 7 matches Penetrates the right flank; key for counter‑attacks. CAM Miguel Cárdenas 7 key passes, 4 chances created per game Central creative hub; expected to dictate the final third. LW Javier soto 4 goals, 2 assists in the last 5 outings Cuts inside to open space for the full‑back; high pressing. ST Héctor Velázquez 9 goals, 2 assists in 8 league games Focal point; strong hold‑up play and aerial ability.

Bench Options and Impact Substitutes

Proposed Formation and Tactical Approach

• Preferred formation: 4‑2‑3‑1, a balance between defensive solidity and attacking width that Rafael Marcos has favored in the last five league games.
• Defensive shape: Two holding midfielders shield the back four, allowing the full‑backs to overlap without exposing the center‑backs.
• Attacking focus: the central attacking midfielder operates as a playmaker, linking with the lone striker while the wide forwards stretch Puebla’s back line.

First XI: Player‑by‑Player Breakdown

Position	Player	Recent form (2025‑26)	Role in the match
GK	Jesús Corona	6 clean sheets in 9 Liga MX matches	Commanding presence; initiates rapid distribution to the midfield.
RB	Joaquín López	2 assists, 3 key passes in last 5 games	Overlapping runs; defensive duties against Puebla’s left‑winger.
CB	Andrés Gómez	85 % tackle success rate	Aerial dominance; primary marker on Puebla’s target man.
CB	Oscar Sanchez (captain)	3 goals from set‑pieces, 4 interceptions per game	Leadership at the back; threat on corners.
LB	Luis Ramos	1 assist, 4 successful dribbles per match	Provides width; expected to deliver crosses for the striker.
DM	Carlos Vargas	2 goals, 6 interceptions in last 4 fixtures	Deep‑lying playmaker; controls tempo and protects the defence.
DM	Fernando Mendoza	1 assist, 5 tackles per game	box‑to‑box energy; links defense to attack.
RW	Héctor Álvarez	5 goals,3 assists in 7 matches	Penetrates the right flank; key for counter‑attacks.
CAM	Miguel Cárdenas	7 key passes, 4 chances created per game	Central creative hub; expected to dictate the final third.
LW	Javier Soto	4 goals, 2 assists in the last 5 outings	Cuts inside to open space for the full‑back; high pressing.
ST	Héctor Velázquez	9 goals,2 assists in 8 league games	Focal point; strong hold‑up play and aerial ability.

Bench Options and Impact Substitutes

1. Marco Rojas (GK) – reliable backup; could replace Corona if needed due to minor niggle.
2. Alberto Márquez (CB) – experienced centre‑back, useful for a defensive shift to 4‑4‑2.
3. José Pereira (LM) – pacey winger; ideal for injecting fresh legs in the final 20 minutes.
4. Andrés Cruz (CM) – versatile midfielder; can reinforce the midfield or push a more advanced role.
5. Luis Gómez (ST) – young striker with a proven record in the Copa MX; could replace Velázquez if the team needs a quicker spark.

Key Players to Watch

• Miguel Cárdenas – his vision and passing accuracy (87 % success this season) make him the creative engine.
• Héctor Velázquez – the league’s top‑scoring forward for Cruz Azul; his movement off the ball creates space for the wingers.
• Oscar Sanchez – set‑piece specialist; Puebla’s defence has struggled against aerial threats (conceded 1.9 goals per game from corners).

Potential Adjustments Based on Injuries

• Joaquín López is listed as “questionable” after a minor hamstring strain in the training session on 14 January 2026. Should he miss the match, Luis Gómez could be shifted to right‑back, with Alberto Márquez covering centrally.
• Fernando Mendoza carried a slight ankle irritation during the Puebla friendly on 10 January 2026. If fitness is an issue, Andrés Cruz would slot in as the second holding midfielder, allowing more defensive coverage.

Recent Form and Statistical Insights

• Cruz Azul’s last five league matches: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss – averaging 1.8 goals scored and 0.9 goals conceded per game.
• Puebla’s defensive record: 1.3 goals conceded per match; vulnerable to quick transitions and set‑pieces.
• Head‑to‑head: In the 2024‑25 season, Cruz Azul won 2 of 3 encounters, netting a total of 5 goals against Puebla’s 2.

Fan Tips for Watching the Match

• Stream on the official Liga MX platform (high‑definition feed ensures you can see player positioning for tactical analysis).
• Key moments to monitor:
1. 5‑minute windows after Velázquez receives the ball in the box – high probability of a goal-scoring chance.
2. Set‑piece situations (corners, free‑kicks) – Sanchez and Velázquez often combine for headers.
3. Engage on social media using hashtags #CruzAzulVsPuebla and #LigaMX2026 for live fan reactions and insider commentary.

Tactical Benefits of the Projected Lineup

• Defensive resilience: Dual holding midfielders reduce gaps between the back line and attack,limiting Puebla’s counter‑attack efficiency (they succeed on only 12 % of counters this season).
• Attacking versatility: the 4‑2‑3‑1 allows seamless switching to a 4‑3‑3 if the team needs more width, with the wingers able to cut inside and free the full‑backs for overlapping runs.
• Set‑piece threat: Sanchez’s height (1.90 m) and Velázquez’s timing make aerial duels a decisive factor in tight matches.

Practical Takeaway for Supporters

• Pre‑match analysis: Review the formation graphic (4‑2‑3‑1) and note the player numbers – it helps quickly identify on‑field changes.
• During the game: Track Cárdenas’s passing lanes; a disruption here often signals a tactical shift from Puebla’s side.
• Post‑match: Compare the actual line‑up against this projection to gauge the coach’s adaptation strategy for upcoming fixtures.