Cruz Azul is capable of taking its fans from heaven to hell in a matter of minutes and then bringing them back, even if only for a moment, to glory. Against Toluca, it did it again. La Máquina went from having the game practically under control to being on the ropes and ended up salvaging a 3-3 draw in a match packed with drama.
With several players out due to national team call-ups and injuries, Joel Huiqui had to field a different lineup. Alan Mozo started on the right wing, while Charly Rodríguez, Palavecino, and Paradela handled the creative duties. Up front, the coach opted for two center forwards: Nicolás Ibáñez and Gabriel “Toro” Fernández.
Toluca also didn’t field a full squad. The absences of Gallardo, Everardo, Simón, and Viñas—in addition to Franco Romero’s injury—forced the Scarlet squad to make adjustments.
Cruz Azul Strikes First
La Máquina came out with confidence. They pressed from the opening whistle, quickly regained possession, and were rewarded as early as the 6th minute.
Paradela stole the ball in midfield and set up Ibáñez, who broke free with space and finished with his right foot to make it 1-0.
Cruz Azul maintained control and came close to extending the lead with a shot by Charly Rodríguez. Shortly after, Ibáñez made another impact, this time setting up Toro Fernández with a cross from the right.
The forward rose high inside the box, got into position, and connected with a dipping header that found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Huiqui’s game plan, featuring two starting forwards, was working. La Máquina pressed, held firm, and seemed to have the match under control.
Toluca Reacts and Turns Things Around
But with Cruz Azul, you can never count your chickens before they hatch.
In the second half, Ditta committed a penalty on Luan, and Helinho capitalized on the opportunity from the penalty spot to pull one back.
The goal completely changed the momentum of the match. Cruz Azul lost its composure, and just a few minutes later, Vega tied the game at 2-2 with a cross that went straight into the net.
Suddenly, the match that had seemed to be heading in La Máquina’s favor was wide open.
Toluca took advantage of the confusion and managed to turn the score around. A mistake by Charly Rodríguez in midfield allowed the Diablos to transition. Nico Castro advanced down the right and sent a pull-back cross to Alexis, who controlled the ball and fired a left-footed shot that was deflected by Ditta before beating Gudiño.
3–2 for Toluca.
Gabriel Fernández Saves La Máquina
Cruz Azul didn’t give up. With heart and courage, they launched an attack in the final minutes and were rewarded.
A header by Gabriel Fernández found the back of the net to make it 3-3 and breathe new life into a fan base that had already experienced just about every emotion imaginable.
The draw leaves mixed feelings. For Cruz Azul, it may feel like a letdown after having held a two-goal lead, but it also represents an important comeback against Toluca, the tournament’s overall leader.
For the Diablos, on the other hand, the point also has a bittersweet taste: they came back from behind and came close to securing a victory that had seemed impossible at the start.
In the end, Cruz Azul and Toluca split the points after a true back-and-forth battle. A 3-3 draw that perfectly sums up what La Máquina can be: a rollercoaster ride, capable of making its fans suffer and, at the same time, giving them a night they’ll never forget.
