Match report
Cruz Azul Defeats Monterrey 3-2 in CONCACAF Champions League
Monterrey
2–3
FT
Cruz Azul
Mar 11, 2026
Cruz Azul triumphed over Monterrey in a highly contested CONCACAF Champions League match, scoring a late goal to secure a 3-2 victory. Despite falling behind early in the second half, the team rallied back with a penalty from G. Piovi and a late goal by N. Ibáñez, which ensured their advancement in the tournament.
Key Facts
- • Erik Lira opened the scoring for Cruz Azul in the 25th minute
- • R. de la Rosa scored two goals for Monterrey in the 35th and 40th minutes
- • Monterrey's Santiago Mele received a red card in the 80th minute, turning the momentum
- • G. Piovi converted a penalty to tie the game in the 84th minute
- • N. Ibáñez secured the win for Cruz Azul in the 90th minute
Lineups
Monterrey
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 25 S. Mele (G)
- 2 R. Chavez (D)
- 33 S. Medina (D)
- 19 A. Aceves (D)
- 21 L. Reyes (D)
- 30 J. Rodriguez (M)
- 13 C. Salcedo (M)
- 37 C. Reyes (M)
- 17 J. Corona (M)
- 29 L. Ocampos (M)
- 27 R. de la Rosa (F)
Substitutes
- 22 L. Cardenas
- 40 K. Cuneo
- 20 U. Djurdjevic
- 3 G. Arteaga
- 34 C. Bustos
- 41 A. Urias
- 35 I. Fimbres
- 11 L. Orellano
- 4 V. Guzman
- 39 J. Moxica
- 38 A. Rojas
Cruz Azul
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Starting XI
- 1 A. Gudino (G)
- 6 E. Lira (D)
- 17 A. Garcia (D)
- 33 G. Piovi (D)
- 3 O. Campos (M)
- 8 A. Palavecino (M)
- 16 J. Marquez (M)
- 29 C. Rotondi (M)
- 20 J. Paradela (F)
- 19 C. Rodriguez (F)
- 21 G. Fernandez (F)
Substitutes
- 23 K. Mier
- 30 E. Ochoa
- 7 N. Ibanez
- 37 J. Diaz
- 31 A. Morales
- 11 C. Ebere
- 18 L. Romero
- 10 A. Montano
- 42 A. Castro
- 22 J. Rodarte
- 39 D. Ramirez
- 28 D. Valdez
Timeline
-
19' Monterrey Card · Yellow CardJorge Rodríguez
Foul
-
25' Cruz Azul Goal · Normal GoalErik Lira
-
35' Monterrey Goal · Normal GoalR. de la Rosa · Assist: C. Salcedo
-
40' Monterrey Goal · Normal GoalR. de la Rosa · Assist: L. Reyes
-
41' Cruz Azul Card · Yellow CardJ. Marquez
Foul
-
52' Cruz Azul Card · Yellow CardG. Piovi
Foul
-
59' Monterrey subst · Substitution 1Off: J. Corona · On: I. Fimbres
-
59' Monterrey subst · Substitution 2Off: L. Ocampos · On: L. Orellano
-
61' Monterrey Card · Yellow CardSantiago Mele
Time wasting
-
66' Monterrey subst · Substitution 3Off: R. de la Rosa · On: U. Đurđević
-
73' Monterrey subst · Substitution 4Off: C. Reyes · On: A. Urias
-
73' Monterrey subst · Substitution 5Off: C. Salcedo · On: V. Guzmán
-
73' Cruz Azul subst · Substitution 1Off: G. Fernández · On: N. Ibáñez
-
73' Cruz Azul subst · Substitution 2Off: C. Rotondi · On: J. Rodarte
-
80' Monterrey Card · Yellow CardSantiago Mele
Foul
-
80' Monterrey Card · Red CardSantiago Mele
Foul
-
81' Cruz Azul subst · Substitution 3Off: J. Paradela · On: O. Ebere
-
81' Cruz Azul subst · Substitution 4Off: C. Rodríguez · On: A. Montaño
-
84' Cruz Azul Goal · PenaltyG. Piovi
-
88' Monterrey Card · Yellow CardL. Reyes
Foul
-
90'+3 Cruz Azul subst · Substitution 5Off: J. Marquez · On: L. Romero
-
90' Cruz Azul Goal · Normal GoalN. Ibáñez · Assist: O. Campos
Match Stats
| Stat | Monterrey | Cruz Azul |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 13 | 10 |
| Pass Accuracy | 77% | 81% |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 10 | 26 |
| Corners | 3 | 5 |
| Total Passes | 355 | 399 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 2 |
| Blocked Shots | 2 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 7 |
| xG | 1.73 | 3.21 |
| Shots off Target | 3 | 11 |
| Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 273 | 323 |
| Shots Inside Box | 9 | 12 |
| Saves | 4 | 3 |
| Shots Outside Box | 1 | 14 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ R. de la Rosa's quick goals within 5 minutes put Monterrey in control, leading 2-1 after the first goal from Cruz Azul
- ▸ Santiago Mele's red card in the 80th minute gave Cruz Azul a numerical advantage, leading to their comeback