Cruz Azul’s Heartbreak in Mazatlán: A Victory Slips Away in Dramatic Fashion
Cruz Azul fans were left in disbelief as their team saw a well-earned victory vanish in the dying moments of the match against Mazatlán. A thrilling night at the Estadio El Encanto saw La Máquina dominate for large stretches, only to be undone by a late penalty decision that allowed the Cañoneros to snatch a 1-1 draw. The result felt like a gut punch for Cruz Azul supporters, who had high hopes of extending their winning streak and solidifying their position in the Liga MX standings.
A Promising Start for La Máquina
With nearly five years since their last away victory against Mazatlán, Cruz Azul arrived determined to break the curse. From the opening whistle, it was clear that they meant business. Just seconds into the game, Rodolfo Rotondi whipped in a dangerous cross that found Ángel Sepúlveda, whose powerful header struck the crossbar—an early warning that La Máquina was here to take control.
The first half saw Cruz Azul asserting dominance, dictating the tempo and creating numerous chances. Rotondi, eager to make an impact, came close again with a sharp turn and shot inside the box, but his effort rolled just wide of Hugo González’s goal. Mazatlán, for their part, struggled to gain any meaningful possession, with their best chance coming from Nicolás Benedetti’s shot that fizzed past the post. The hosts were pinned back in their own half, unable to mount any serious offensive threat against a well-organized Cruz Azul side.
The defensive line of Mazatlán faced relentless pressure, with La Máquina’s attacking trio constantly testing their resilience. Every time Cruz Azul surged forward, the tension in the stadium grew. It was only a matter of time before the visitors would find their breakthrough.
The Second Half: Bogusz’s Moment of Brilliance
Cruz Azul resumed their relentless attack after the break. The visitors had another golden opportunity as Sepúlveda connected with another precise cross from Rotondi, only for his header to crash against the post. The rebound fell perfectly for Giorgos Giakoumakis, but the Greek forward somehow fired his effort agonizingly wide. Frustration began creeping in, but their persistence finally paid off.
In the 62nd minute, a moment of magic silenced the Mazatlán crowd. Polish midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, making his mark in Mexican football, stepped up for a free-kick from the edge of the area. With absolute precision, he curled a stunning shot into the top corner, the ball kissing the crossbar before nestling into the back of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and Cruz Azul celebrated as if they had sealed all three points.
Bogusz’s strike was a reminder of the raw talent within Cruz Azul’s squad. The goal sent their bench into wild celebrations, with players rushing to embrace the Polish star. Fans watching at home erupted in joy, believing this could be the moment that defined their team’s resurgence in the league.
The VAR Twist: A Cruel End for Cruz Azul
However, the night had one more twist in store. As the clock ticked down, Mazatlán launched a desperate attack. A seemingly harmless defensive play turned disastrous when Ángel Sepúlveda, so influential at the other end, inadvertently handled the ball inside his own box. The referee initially let play continue, but after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded in the 82nd minute.
Nicolás Benedetti stepped up with nerves of steel and sent Kevin Mier the wrong way, burying his shot to bring Mazatlán level. The home crowd erupted, while Cruz Azul players could only look on in disbelief. Their hopes of a crucial away victory were shattered in an instant.
The decision sparked heated debates. Cruz Azul’s bench protested, arguing that the handball was unintentional and should not have been given. Fans took to social media, expressing their frustration over yet another controversial VAR ruling. The match, which seemed destined for a Cruz Azul triumph, had taken a cruel turn.
What This Means for Cruz Azul
With this draw, Cruz Azul’s momentum took a hit, halting their two-game winning streak. Sitting on 18 points, they remain in fifth place in the standings, but the frustration of dropping points in such dramatic fashion will linger. The team’s inability to close out matches continues to be a worrying trend, and fans are demanding answers from both players and coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Mazatlán, fighting to escape the bottom of the coefficient table, earned a valuable point in their survival battle, inching closer to Puebla and Atlas in their quest to avoid relegation concerns. Every point matters at this stage, and for the Cañoneros, this draw felt like a victory. They celebrated passionately with their home supporters, knowing they had defied the odds.
Looking Ahead: Can Cruz Azul Regroup?
Cruz Azul must quickly shake off this disappointment as they prepare for their next challenge. With a squad brimming with talent, they will need to refocus and ensure that lapses like this don’t cost them crucial points in their push for a higher finish.
The pressure is mounting on coach Martín Anselmi, who now faces tough questions about his team’s mentality and late-game management. Can he find a way to instill the killer instinct needed to finish off matches? Or will this setback lead to further struggles?
Fans remain hopeful that Cruz Azul can turn things around, but patience is wearing thin. This match will be remembered not just for Bogusz’s spectacular goal, but also for the heartbreak that followed. For now, Cruz Azul supporters are left asking: when will La Máquina learn to close out games?
One thing is for certain—Liga MX continues to deliver unpredictable, thrilling drama. Cruz Azul’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as intense. Stay tuned!
