Carlos Rodríguez: From World Cup Absence to Liga MX Champion with Cruz Azul
Carlos 'Charly' Rodríguez experienced a mix of emotions in May 2026. Despite missing out on Javier Aguirre's Mexico squad for the World Cup ...
Cruz Azul sits high in the standings but has struggled with consistency, while Tijuana has been in better form recently.
Key injuries affect Cruz Azul's lineup, with Jesús Orozco Chiquete and Nicolás Ibáñez ruled out.
The match will take place at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, with broadcast coverage available on TUDN, ViX Premium, and Canal Cinco in Mexico, and TUDN in the USA.
Why this matters: The outcome of this match will significantly impact both teams' chances of reaching the Liguilla, making it a high-stakes encounter.
Cruz Azul enters this match after a series of inconsistent results, including elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup and struggles in Liga MX. Tijuana, on the other hand, has gained momentum with recent victories.
Team Form:
Cruz Azul: Recent form has been shaky, with only one win in the last five matches. Check Cruz Azul standings &ref=yanuki.com
Tijuana: Has won three of their last five matches, improving their chances of making the Liguilla. Tijuana team profile&ref=yanuki.com
Injury Updates:
Cruz Azul: Jesús Orozco Chiquete is out for the season, and Nicolás Ibáñez is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.
Potential Lineups:
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier, Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Agustín Palavecino, Andrés Montaño, Jeremy Márquez, Carlos Rodríguez, Gabriel Fernández, Rodolfo Rotondi, and Gonzalo Piovi.
Tijuana: J. Rodríguez; Rafael Fernández, Jackson Porozo, Jesús Gómez, Pablo Nicolás Ortíz; Ramiro Arciga, Ivan Oswaldo, I. Rivero, Kevin Castañeda; A. Perez, Mourad El Ghezouani.
Match Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm CDMX | 7:00 pm E.T.
Venue: Estadio Cuauhtémoc
Broadcast: TUDN, ViX Premium, Canal Cinco (Mexico); TUDN (USA)
Q: What are Cruz Azul's chances of making the Liguilla?
They need just one point to secure their spot, but a win would solidify their position.
Q: What is Tijuana's current position in the league?
Tijuana is currently in tenth place, with aspirations of climbing into the top eight.
Q: Which players are unavailable for Cruz Azul due to injuries?
Jesús Orozco Chiquete and Nicolás Ibáñez are sidelined with injuries.
For Cruz Azul fans: Keep an eye on the team's performance as they aim to secure their Liguilla spot and overcome recent struggles. For Tijuana fans: This match is a critical opportunity to gain points and improve their chances of reaching the Liguilla. Key actions: Follow the match live on TUDN, ViX Premium, or Canal Cinco, and stay updated on team news and injuries.
Do you think Cruz Azul can overcome their recent struggles and secure a Liguilla spot? Or will Tijuana continue their climb and surprise everyone? Let us know!
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