Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC: Liga MX Showdown Preview

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan will headline the Liga MX calendar on 13 July 2025, drawing the eyes of Mexico and beyond to a mid-summer duel that could shape the tone of the Apertura. Both sides approach the clash looking to erase the frustrations of last season and launch a fresh push toward the Liguilla.

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan in Context

The meeting between Cruz Azul v Mazatlan is more than a routine fixture; it is a crossroads for two clubs at different points on their strategic road maps. For La Máquina, a powerhouse with nine league titles, the objective is clear: return to silverware contention under new boss Martín Anselmi. Mazatlán, meanwhile, continue to chase their first taste of playoff glory after a 2024 campaign marked by flashes of promise yet far too many defensive lapses.

Current Form Guide

Cruz Azul arrive unbeaten in six preseason tune-ups, including statement victories over Monterrey and Chivas. Veteran midfielder Carlos Rodríguez looks reborn, while new Argentine signing Nicolás Blandi has already notched four goals in friendly competition. Mazatlán’s preparations have been bumpier. The Cañoneros dropped back-to-back friendlies to Puebla and Toluca, conceding five goals in the process; however, striker Eduard Bello remains a constant danger, and summer loanee Jesús Venegas has injected pace on the flank.

Key Tactical Battles in Cruz Azul v Mazatlan

Anselmi’s 4-3-3 vs. Ismael Rescalvo’s Reactive Setup

Expect Cruz Azul v Mazatlan to hinge on midfield control. Anselmi’s narrow 4-3-3, anchored by Erik Lira as the single pivot, relies on quick vertical passes that release Uriel Antuna and Ángel Sepúlveda into space. Rescalvo tends to counter with a flexible 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a 5-4-1 out of possession. The Mazatlán coach will likely instruct left-back Bryan Colula to stay disciplined against Antuna, whose diagonal runs remain a primary weapon.

Set-Piece Prowess

In last season’s data set, Cruz Azul v Mazatlan revealed a surprising stat: Mazatlán earned the fourth-most corners in Liga MX but converted only 6 percent. Conversely, Cruz Azul scored from 10 corners, ranking second overall. With towering center-half Willer Ditta patrolling the box, La Máquina enjoy a marked advantage that could tilt the balance on 13 July.

Projected Line-ups

Cruz Azul (4-3-3)

Juradó; Rivero, Ditta, Vargas, Rotondi; Lira, Rodríguez, Charly González; Antuna, Blandi, Sepúlveda.

Mazatlán FC (4-2-3-1)

Vikonis; Colula, Noya, Padilla, Alanís; Meré, Almada; Bello, Torres, Venegas; Ake Loba.

Fitness updates ahead of Cruz Azul v Mazatlan indicate that defender Carlos Salcedo continues rehab for a knee complaint and will not feature, while Mazatlán’s new Uruguayan midfielder Emiliano Zapata remains doubtful with a calf strain.

Historical Head-to-Head

Since Mazatlán’s 2020 arrival, the Cruz Azul v Mazatlan rivalry stands at three wins for Cruz Azul, two for Mazatlán, and three draws. The most recent encounter, a pulsating 2-2 stalemate in Sinaloa, saw late heroics from Julián Quiñones cancel out Antuna’s brace. These evenly matched records ensure no complacency inside Estadio Azteca.

Players to Watch

• Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul): The midfield metronome completed 91 percent of his passes last term and is entrusted with breaking Mazatlán’s low block.
• Eduard Bello (Mazatlán): His curling free kicks have already become highlight-reel staples; he scored three direct set-piece goals last season.
• Nicolás Blandi (Cruz Azul): The Argentine striker’s predatory instincts inside the six-yard box could haunt a Mazatlán back line that leaked 32 goals in 17 matches.
• Hugo Noya (Mazatlán): The veteran center-back will marshal defensive duties and contest aerial duels with Sepúlveda.

Matchday Logistics and Atmosphere

Kick-off for Cruz Azul v Mazatlan is set for 19:00 local time at the majestic Estadio Azteca, where over 60,000 tickets have already been sold. The Mexico City transport authority has confirmed extended Metro and Metrobús schedules, while club officials advise arriving at least one hour prior to avoid security bottlenecks. Weather forecasts predict a balmy 24 °C evening with a 20 percent chance of showers—ideal conditions for fluid football.

Broadcast Information

For viewers in Mexico, TUDN and TV Azteca hold the live television rights, with streaming via Vix+. U.S. audiences can follow on Univision and MLS Season Pass, while Goal Sports News will provide real-time commentary, stats, and interactive heat maps throughout the 90 minutes.

Statistical Snapshot

• Average possession in Cruz Azul v Mazatlan fixtures: Cruz Azul 58 %, Mazatlán 42 %

• Expected Goals differential last season: Cruz Azul +0.46 per match, Mazatlán –0.27

• Discipline: Mazatlán picked up 48 yellows, 3 reds; Cruz Azul 42 yellows, 1 red

• Shot conversion: Cruz Azul 14 %, Mazatlán 9 %

Manager Quotes

Martín Anselmi (Cruz Azul): “We have reinforced intelligently. The chemistry is forming nicely, and Cruz Azul v Mazatlan is the perfect stage to showcase our new identity.”

Ismael Rescalvo (Mazatlán): “Azteca is intimidating, but pressure can inspire greatness. We respect Cruz Azul, yet we travel believing victory is attainable.”

Predicted Outcome

Algorithms give Cruz Azul a 62 percent chance of victory, 23 percent for a draw, and 15 percent for a Mazatlán upset. Factoring home advantage and squad depth, a 2-1 win for La Máquina appears the most probable scoreline, although a late Bello free kick could swing the drama.

Final Word: Opinion

In my view, Cruz Azul v Mazatlan is a litmus test for both projects. For Cruz Azul, anything less than three points will trigger familiar doubts about consistency. For Mazatlán, a disciplined showing—even in defeat—could signify progress under Rescalvo. Expect fireworks, tactical intrigue, and a raucous Azteca backdrop.