The defending champion still can’t seem to find its footing. Cruz Azul lost 2-0 to Atlas in Matchday 5 of the 2026 Apertura, suffering its third consecutive defeat, while the Rojinegros put on a true display of defensive discipline and effectiveness to move into second place in Liga MX.
La Máquina looked to take the initiative from the start at Banorte Stadium, but they came up against an Atlas team that was well-organized, patient, and ready to capitalize on any opening.
And when they had their chances, they didn’t let them slip away.
Atlas Strikes First
Cruz Azul tried to control the action, though it struggled to find a way into the Rojinegros’ box.
Atlas, on the other hand, waited for its moment.
In the 30th minute, Luk reached the end line on the right flank and looked up before sending a cross into the heart of the box.
That’s where Édgar Zaldívar appeared.
The midfielder rose high and connected with a precise header that found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The goal forced Cruz Azul to push forward, but it also left spaces that Atlas was able to exploit.
Florian Monzón Extends the Lead
Just when it seemed that La Máquina would go into halftime trailing by just one goal, Atlas struck again.
Once again, Duk made a run down the right flank, from where he sent a dangerous diagonal pass into the box.
Jeremy Márquez tried to cut off the play, but the ball was left loose after Kevin Mier’s intervention.
And there was Florian Monzón, ready to simply tap the ball in and make it 2-0.
Atlas headed into the locker room with a lead that seemed difficult to overcome.
Cruz Azul looks to bounce back, but Atlas holds firm
For the second half, Joel Huiqui made substitutions in an effort to turn the game around.
Cruz Azul began to create more offensive pressure and had a few chances to get back into the game.
But the Rojinegros didn’t give in.
Atlas became a true defensive fortress, and when La Máquina managed to get past their defenders, Camilo Romero stepped up to become another standout player of the match.
The goalkeeper made key saves when needed and kept a clean sheet.
Cruz Azul kept pressing in the final minutes, but the cutting edge they needed simply didn’t materialize.
Even in stoppage time, Nico Ibáñez had a chance to pull one back, though he, too, failed to change the course of the match.
Atlas Moves Up the Standings
With the final whistle, Atlas celebrated a victory worth far more than three points.
The Rojinegros secured their fourth win of the tournament, reached 12 points, and moved into second place in the standings.
The outlook for Cruz Azul is completely different.
La Máquina is left with just six points and has suffered its third consecutive loss—a result that is beginning to cause concern for the defending champions.
Atlas, meanwhile, is proving it means business.
With a solid defense, efficiency in front of the net, and a team that knows how to dig deep when necessary, the Rojinegros have already established themselves as one of the major contenders in the 2026 Apertura.
