Cruz Azul tops the Apertura 2024 standings with 10 victories.

Cruz Azul overcame a missed penalty by Jorge Sánchez to secure a 2-1 victory over Puebla, thanks to goals from Giorgos Giakoumakis and Rodolfo Rotondi. Despite not being at their best, La Máquina left the Cuauhtémoc Stadium with three points, ensuring at least a Play-In spot.

Cruz Azul took control early, but struggled to create dangerous chances against a Puebla side that focused on closing down spaces. In the 22nd minute, Giakoumakis was brought down in the box by Miguel Jiménez, leading to a penalty. Surprisingly, Jorge Sánchez stepped up to take it, but his shot was saved by Jiménez, who dived to his right and deflected the ball onto the post.

After the missed penalty, Cruz Azul appeared slow to react. Although they maintained possession, they failed to threaten Puebla’s goal until the 37th minute when Alexis Gutiérrez struck the post after a series of rebounds.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. In the 45’+4', Giakoumakis headed home after a corner, giving Cruz Azul a 1-0 lead. However, just before halftime, a mistake by Gonzalo Piovi gifted the ball to Luis Quiñones, who capitalized with a powerful shot to level the match at 1-1.

In the second half, Puebla showed more attacking intent, but Cruz Azul quickly regained control. The winning goal came from the penalty spot after Sebastián Olmedo handled the ball in the box following a cross from Rotondi. Rotondi himself stepped up and converted the penalty, putting Cruz Azul ahead 2-1.

After retaking the lead, Cruz Azul focused on controlling possession, keeping the ball away from danger to see out the win and secure the crucial three points.