Liga MX Apertura - 15
Cruz Azul 2 - 0 FT Monterrey
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
Óliver Torres 23'
Óliver Torres 24'
29' Carlos Rotondi
44' J. Orozco (L. Faravelli)
HT
52' ↓ C. Rotondi ↑O. Campos
52' ↓ L. Faravelli ↑I. Rivero
75' ↓ G. Fernandez ↑A. Sepulveda
75' ↓ J. Paradela ↑L. Romero
↓ S. Canales ↑A. Martial 77'
79' Jeremy Márquez
84' ↓ J. Marquez ↑A. Garcia
↓ R. Chavez ↑C. Salcedo 85'
↓ L. Ocampos ↑J. Corona 85'
90' A. Sepulveda (C. Rodriguez)
Sergio Ramos 90'+1
↓ L. Reyes ↑J. Moxica 90'+3
90'+7 Ángel Sepúlveda
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Cruz Azul
Goalkeepers
K. Mier 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Midfielders
J. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Rodriguez 
ARCHITECT
5
Key Passes
5
Key Passes
1
Assists
73%
Pass Acc
J. Marquez 
SWEEPER
4
Cleanups
4
Cleanups
4
Interceptions
0
Blocks
C. Rotondi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
52
Total Mins
52
Entry
Forwards
J. Paradela
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
L. Faravelli 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
6.6
Rating
G. Fernandez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
BENCH
A. Gudino 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
O. Campos
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
17%
Pass Acc
I. Rivero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
38
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Garcia
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Velazquez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Morales
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Sepulveda 
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.7
Rating
L. Romero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Valdez
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Monterrey
Goalkeepers
L. Cardenas 
MAGNET
55
Activity
55
Activity
54
Passes
1
Duels
Defenders
Midfielders
R. Chavez
LATE SHIFT
5
Late Mins
5
Late Mins
85
Total Mins
85
Entry
O. Torres 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Red Card
Mistake
Red Card
Mistake
1
Fouls
4.2
Rating
J. Rodriguez 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
G. Arteaga
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
S. Canales
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
29%
Pass Acc
L. Ocampos
MAGNET
48
Activity
48
Activity
29
Passes
19
Duels
G. Berterame
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
S. Mele
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
C. Salcedo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Leone
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Frayde
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Corona
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Rodriguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Martial
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. de la Rosa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Moxica
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/26/2025 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 0 | Monterrey | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 03/09/2025 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 1 | Monterrey | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 07/14/2024 | Monterrey | 0 - 4 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio BBVA |
| 05/20/2024 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 2 | Monterrey | Liga MX | Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes |
| 05/17/2024 | Monterrey | 0 - 1 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio BBVA |
| 04/07/2024 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 1 | Monterrey | Liga MX | Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes |
Cruz Azul Win
Monterrey Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 15 GD: +23
P: 15 GD: +17
P: 15 GD: +10
P: 15 GD: +15
P: 15 GD: +6
P: 15 GD: +4
P: 15 GD: +2
P: 15 GD: +7
P: 15 GD: -1
P: 15 GD: -4
P: 15 GD: -1
P: 15 GD: -9
P: 15 GD: -5
P: 15 GD: -12
P: 15 GD: -8
P: 15 GD: -11
P: 15 GD: -14
League Standings
P: 17 GD: +17
P: 17 GD: +16
P: 17 GD: +13
P: 17 GD: +6
P: 17 GD: +12
P: 17 GD: -2
P: 17 GD: +10
P: 17 GD: +3
P: 17 GD: +2
P: 17 GD: -10
P: 17 GD: -4
P: 17 GD: -6
P: 17 GD: -2
P: 17 GD: -3
P: 17 GD: -6
P: 17 GD: -15
P: 17 GD: -13
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Cruz Azul Capitalise on Early Red to Sink Monterrey
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 59/100. An early sending-off turned a competitive clash into a gruelling defensive exercise for the visitors, allowing the home side to cement their title credentials.
Opening Act
The match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario ignited with a furious tempo as both sides looked to establish early dominance in this vital clash. Monterrey initially looked prepared to frustrate the hosts, sitting compact and attempting to absorb the inevitable pressure while searching for counter-attacking opportunities. However, the game's complexion changed entirely in the 24th minute. A harsh, late challenge prompted a crucial VAR intervention, which upgraded an initial yellow card to a straight red for Óliver Torres. The Intensity immediately shifted as Monterrey were forced into a desperate rearguard action. Reduced to ten men so early in the contest, the visitors had to effectively abandon their attacking ambitions, setting the stage for a gruelling tactical siege.
The Pivot
With an extra man on the pitch, Cruz Azul controlled possession, holding 56% of the ball and methodically dismantling the visitors' deep defensive block. The Balance of play heavily favoured the hosts, who unleashed a relentless barrage of 18 total shots, turning the final third into a shooting gallery. Monterrey's goalkeeper performed absolute heroics, contributing to a total of seven crucial saves to keep his side miraculously level. Yet, the relentless pressure eventually took its toll. Just before the halftime whistle blew, a moment of genuine quality unpicked the lock. L. Faravelli beautifully unpicked the tight defence to find J. Orozco, who fired home the critical opener and broke the away side's stubborn resistance at the perfect moment.
Resolution
The second half saw Monterrey dig deep into their reserves, committing necessary fouls to disrupt the rhythm, but their attacking threat was practically non-existent as they managed a mere two shots on target all night. Cruz Azul remained incredibly patient, knowing the high Stakes required a professional finish to maintain their pursuit of the league leaders and secure their playoff positioning. In the dying embers of stoppage time, substitute A. Sepulveda latched onto a precise, cutting pass from midfield maestro C. Rodriguez to seal the victory conclusively. A late VAR check confirmed the goal, ensuring a crucial 2-0 win that keeps the hosts firmly entrenched in the title race while leaving the visitors stranded in mid-table.
Key Questions
How did the red card for Óliver Torres impact the match?
His 24th-minute dismissal forced Monterrey into a deep defensive block, handing Cruz Azul complete control of possession and momentum.
How did VAR change this match?
VAR critically intervened twice, first upgrading Torres's card to a red, and later confirming Sepulveda's stoppage-time strike to seal the result.
How did substitute Jesús Orozco change the game?
Orozco was actually a starter, not a substitute. He changed the game by scoring the crucial opening goal right before halftime to break Monterrey's resistance.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Cruz Azul’s Title Credentials Tested by Desperate Monterrey
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 63/100. With the hosts fiercely chasing the top spot and the visitors battling for relevance, this clash is a critical juncture in the Apertura campaign.
The Setup
On October 26, 2025, the Estadio Olímpico Universitario hosts a fixture bursting with narrative as high-flying Cruz Azul welcome Monterrey. Sitting second with 27 points, the home side boast a formidable Form rating, underlined by a flawless streak of five victories on their own turf. In stark contrast, Monterrey languish in ninth place with just 14 points, desperately searching for consistency. The Stakes are massive; this is a genuine title race test for Cruz Azul, who cannot afford to slip up. While the competitive Balance of power leans heavily toward the hosts right now, a high concentration of attacking Stars on both sides points to a goal-rich affair that neutral fans will thoroughly enjoy.
Key Battle
The match could well be decided by the contrasting attacking figures on display. Amaury Morales has been electric for the home side, slicing through defensive lines with intent. He will be up against the sheer output of Germán Berterame on the opposite end. If Monterrey's talisman finds any pocket of space, he has the pedigree to disrupt the home side's rhythm entirely.
Our Prediction
We back Cruz Azul to grind out a 2-1 victory. Expect Monterrey to sit deep and threaten on the break, but the hosts' relentless attacking pressure and home-field momentum will eventually break down the visitors' resistance late in the second half.