By Andy González
Cruz Azul generated chances, controlled the game and ultimately had enough quality to put New York City FC away, earning a 2-1 victory and securing a place in the next round of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Cruz Azul took control of the match through a combination of quick transitions, patient buildup and individual quality in the final third, with Agustín Palavecino and José Paradela playing key roles as the Mexican side turned its dominance into three points and a place in the knockout rounds.
The opening goal came from a sequence that perfectly showcased Cruz Azul’s ability to turn a defensive recovery into an attacking opportunity. Toro Fernández won the ball back in midfield, allowing La Máquina to quickly move forward before Erik Lira found Palavecino outside the box. The Argentine took advantage of the space and curled a beautiful left-footed strike into the corner, giving Cruz Azul the breakthrough and rewarding a move built on both verticality and composure.
New York City FC responded just before halftime. Max Murray leveled the match from a free kick, rising to meet the delivery and directing a powerful header past the goalkeeper to send the teams into the break tied at 1-1.
In the second half, New York City FC made a triple substitution in the 59th minute in an attempt to change the pace of the match. After the hour mark, the game opened up considerably, with both sides trading attacks as the contest developed into a more end-to-end affair.
Cruz Azul continued to create opportunities and eventually regained the lead through another quick attacking sequence. Charly Rodríguez found José Paradela, who created space outside the box and fired toward goal. His effort took a fortunate deflection on its way into the net, leaving the NYCFC defense unable to react and putting La Máquina back in front.
From there, Cruz Azul managed the closing stages and protected its advantage to secure another important victory. The result gave La Máquina three more points, a second consecutive win and, most importantly, a place in the next round of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
REACTIONS
- Cruz Azul Head Coach Joel Huiqui
- "At times, we weren’t able to adjust our pressing, but we were able to find those open spaces, with Lira dropping a little deeper, and we managed to get the result. We still need to improve our transitions, set pieces, and some other important details.”
- (On Érik Lira's potential departure) “Hopefully, Erik Lira can get his transfer situation sorted out, whether that means leaving the club or staying with us.”
- New York City FC Head Coach Pascal Jansen
- “Games are decided by details. Overall, it was a very intense game, and it was a good lesson for us to play against a top-level opponent.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Cruz Azul
- José Paradela was one of Cruz Azul's most dangerous attacking players throughout the match, finishing with one goal, four shots, two on target.
- New York City FC
- Max Murray provided NYCFC's lone goal, his first goal with the first team.
GAME NOTES
- The Argentine duo of Agustín Palavecino and José Paradela scored for Cruz Azul as the Cementeros earned three points and secured their place in the knockout rounds.
- Cruz Azul finished with 20 shots, including six on target.
- The Cementeros consistently found ways to generate chances through quick combinations and vertical attacks, particularly after winning the ball back.
- New York City FC must win their next match to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Cruz Azul: Gonzalo Piovi
- New York City FC: Matt Freese, Nico Cavallo, Tayvon Gray, Nicolás Fernández Mercau, Malachi Jones
LOOKING AHEAD
- Cruz Azul: Aug. 13 vs. Chicago Fire
- New York City FC: Aug. 13 vs. Necaxa
