Cruz Azul defeated Monterrey 3-2 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2026 round of 16, played at Estadio BBVA. The celeste team staged a comeback in the second half after an opponent expulsion and now holds the advantage heading into the return leg in Puebla. This outcome keeps alive the title defense for Nicolás Larcamón's side.
The March 10, 2026, match in Monterrey was intense from the start. Cruz Azul opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a goal from Erik Lira off a corner kick. However, Monterrey responded quickly before halftime: Roberto de la Rosa equalized in the 35th and turned the score around in the 40th with his second goal, putting the Rayados ahead 2-1.
The second half shifted dramatically in the 80th minute when Monterrey's Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele was sent off for a foul in the box, leading to a penalty. Gonzalo Piovi converted from the spot to tie it 2-2. With a man advantage, Cruz Azul pushed forward and sealed the comeback in the 90th with a goal from Nicolás Ibáñez, assisted by Omar Campos.
This victory gives Cruz Azul a strong position as the current tournament champions and leaders of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 with 25 points in 10 matches and 20 goals scored. Monterrey sits ninth, outside the Liguilla zone.
In Concachampions history, Monterrey has dominated the last four meetings with three wins and one draw, including semifinal series in 2011 and 2021. Cruz Azul and América share the record of seven titles, while Monterrey has five. The return leg will be played next Tuesday in Puebla, deciding advancement to the quarterfinals.
