Necaxa vs Cruz Azul Match Recap - Oct 22, 2025

Late Heroics Earn Necaxa a Crucial Point Against Cruz Azul in Liga MX Showdown

In a game that could easily be mistaken for a dramatic thriller, Necaxa managed to secure a vital point against Cruz Azul, ending the match 1-1 at Estadio Victoria on October 22, 2025. With both teams entering the match with contrasting motives-one in desperate need of points to stave off relegation and the other vying for the title-the result was a reflection of both resilience and a touch of poetic justice.

Before kickoff, one could have predicted that a team languishing at 17th would struggle against a second-placed side with title ambitions, but the reality unfolded differently. As a writer who had confidently touted Cruz Azul's superiority in my pre-match preview, it's with a humbled heart that I admit I underestimated the spirit of Necaxa, whose need for survival propelled them to unexpected heights in this crucial match.

The game unfolded in a manner that felt like an uneasy dance between dominance and desperation. Cruz Azul, who had recently secured a stimulating win against Club America, entered the match with a swagger befitting their lofty league position, yet they struggled to convert their territorial advantage into a tangible lead. The visitors maintained chunks of possession, flowing through their midfield with the fluidity that had characterized their successful performances this season, yet their execution in the final third seemed to falter against a resolute Necaxa defense.

It took until the 65th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when Amaury Morales seized upon a moment of indecision in the home side's defense, slotting the ball into the net and sending the traveling supporters into rapture. It was a goal that seemed destined to solidify Cruz Azul's grip on the match, a fitting reward for a side that had not lost in its last five encounters prior to this matchup. At that moment, with the scoreboard ticking in their favor, Cruz Azul was on the precipice of reinforcing their title credentials-until the resilience of Necaxa would rise to the fore.

With time slipping away, and relegation looming larger than ever, Agustín Palavecino stepped up to become the hero Necaxa so desperately needed. In the 87th minute, he found the equalizer, igniting wild celebrations among the home fans. In a twist of fate, Palavecino's goal not only forced the points to be shared but also brought a glimmer of hope to Necaxa's season, as they fought to escape the clutches of relegation.

The draw leaves Necaxa struggling in 17th place with just 9 points from their 13 matches, and they will take some solace in the late equalizer. This match illustrated that they are not yet ready to capitulate to the pressures of the season; rather, they are instilled with a determination to claw their way back to safety.

For Cruz Azul, who now sits comfortably in second place with 28 points, the result may serve as a sobering reminder that the road to the title is fraught with peril, especially when up against teams fueled by desperation. This match, a microcosm of their season, showcased their strong attacking flair but also highlighted the cracks in their defense when faced with unrelenting resolve.

Moving forward, both teams face pivotal moments. For Necaxa, every match is steeped in urgency as they battle against relegation, and this point could be the catalyst for a revival. Cruz Azul, while still in a solid position to challenge for the top spot, must refine their execution and capitalize on their advantage if they wish to maintain their title challenge.

As the Liga MX season marches on, this encounter reminds us that in football, the script can change dramatically within moments, rendering predictions and expectations beautifully irrelevant.