Mexico City, July 13, 2025
Cruz Azul began their Apertura 2025 campaign under new head coach Nicolás Larcamón with a frustrating 0–0 draw against Mazatlán at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Despite dominating possession and generating several attacking chances, the home side failed to find the back of the net.
Match Overview
Cruz Azul looked sharp in midfield from the opening whistle, with José Paradela showing composure and vision in his full debut. Alongside Mateusz Bogusz and Ángel Sepúlveda, the trio created multiple opportunities, but Mazatlán goalkeeper Ricardo Gutiérrez produced several impressive saves to keep the score level.
Mazatlán, meanwhile, sat deep and defended in numbers. Their attacking intent was limited, and they failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Their disciplined structure, however, kept Cruz Azul frustrated.
Tactical Notes
Coach Larcamón surprised many by leaving key players like Carlos Rodríguez and Rodolfo Rotondi out of the starting eleven, favoring a more dynamic midfield. Jeremy Márquez was introduced late in the second half but made little impact. While Cruz Azul’s buildup play was promising, their final-third execution left much to be desired.
Key Statistics
- Possession: Cruz Azul 74%, Mazatlán 26%
- Total shots: Cruz Azul 6, Mazatlán 0
- Shots on target: Cruz Azul 3, Mazatlán 0
- Yellow cards: Cruz Azul 2, Mazatlán 4
Coach’s Comments
Post-match, Larcamón acknowledged the team’s offensive issues:
“We controlled the game and created the space we wanted, but lacked that crucial finish. We’ll take the positives and improve from here.”
Looking Ahead
While the draw is a disappointing start, Cruz Azul’s structure and intensity showed promise. Their next fixture against Atlas offers a chance to refine their attack and register their first win of the tournament. Mazatlán, on the other hand, will be pleased to walk away with a hard-fought point.