Clash of Contrasts in Liga MX
Matchday 10 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 season presents a classic top-versus-bottom showdown as the league-leading Cruz Azul hosts a struggling Querétaro side at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, pits a team in dominant form against an opponent desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, setting the stage for a compelling encounter.
La Máquina’s Unstoppable Form
Cruz Azul enters the contest as the undisputed leader of the pack, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with an impressive 23 points. Under the guidance of manager Nicolás Larcamón, the team remains undefeated through the early part of the season, boasting a formidable record of nine wins and two draws. Their recent form has been particularly strong, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Toluca and a thrilling 3-2 win against Juárez. La Máquina has been effective on both ends of the pitch, scoring 19 goals while conceding only 10.
The team has maintained a winning streak since returning from the Leagues Cup, an international tournament where they experienced a surprising 7-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders. However, as noted by digitaltrendstoday.com, their domestic performance has been flawless, demonstrating resilience and a clear focus on securing the Apertura title.
Querétaro’s Quest for an Upset
In stark contrast, Querétaro finds itself in a precarious position, languishing in 17th place with just seven points. Los Gallos Blancos have managed only two wins and one draw against six losses this season. Their defensive frailties have been a major concern, having conceded 16 goals while scoring only nine. Despite their struggles, the team is coming off a morale-boosting 2-0 away victory over Pachuca, a result that snapped a two-game losing streak and proved they can secure points against tough opposition. Querétaro will be looking to build on that momentum as they face their most challenging test yet. Their international campaign was also short-lived, as they were eliminated early from the 2025 Leagues Cup.
Players to Watch and Team News
Cruz Azul receives a significant boost with the expected return of their top scorer, Ángel Sepúlveda, who has netted five goals this season but has been sidelined with an injury. He is joined in a potent attack by the in-form Gabriel Fernández and creative midfielder José Paradela, who leads the team with five assists. However, Cruz Azul will be without Andres Montano due to injury.
For Querétaro, the offensive hopes will largely rest on Santiago Homenchenko, the team’s leading scorer with two goals. The starting lineup is expected to feature key players such as Guillermo Alison in goal and Diego Reyes in defense. The visitors are dealing with several injuries, with Ali Avila and Carlo Garcia ruled out, and Federico Lértora listed as doubtful for the match.
Projected Starting Lineups:
- Cruz Azul (3-4-2-1): Kevin Mier; Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Erik Lira; Jorge Rodarte, José Rivero, Luka Romero, Carlos Rodríguez; José Paradela, Carlos Rotondi; Gabriel Fernández.
- Querétaro (4-2-3-1): Guillermo Allison; Omar Mendoza, Diego Reyes, Carlos Villanueva, Jonathan Perlaza; Santiago Homenchenko, Ángel Zapata; Jhohan Julio, Rodrigo Bogarin, Michael Carcelén; Mateo Coronel.
Historical Edge and Match Expectations
History is firmly on the side of the home team. Cruz Azul has won the last three consecutive matches against Querétaro. In their all-time head-to-head record, La Máquina holds 18 wins to Querétaro’s 11, with five matches ending in a draw. Given their current form, league position, and historical dominance, Cruz Azul enters the match as the overwhelming favorite. While an upset seems unlikely, Querétaro’s recent victory demonstrates their potential to surprise, ensuring that the league leaders cannot afford any complacency.
