Cruz Azul Claims Top Spot in Liga MX as Apertura 2026 Nears End

Cruz Azul secured the top position in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 standings following a dramatic weekend of soccer action that concluded its penultimate round of the regular phase. La Máquina cemented its place at the summit with 32 points, building momentum with five consecutive victories and an eight-match unbeaten streak.

The decisive turn of events came this Saturday when the celestial squad traveled to the Estadio Universitario and defeated Tigres UANL 3-2. Guided by Joel Huiqui, the team capitalized on slip-ups by its main rivals to claim sole possession of first place with only one matchday remaining before the postseason phase.

Meanwhile, Club América missed an opportunity to capture the lead after battling to a 2-2 draw against Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, leaving the Eagles with 30 points and a valuable pair of dropped units. Guadalajara also failed to seize the top spot, settling for a 1-1 draw against León at the Estadio Nou Camp despite holding a one-man advantage for a significant portion of the second half.

Chivas had briefly touched the summit thanks to a goal by Ricardo Marín, but Paul Bellón leveled the score for León in the 87th minute. The draw dropped the Guadalajara side to third place with 30 points, level with América but trailing on goal difference, intensifying the battle for the top positions heading into the final weekend.

Reflecting on the fierce competition at the top of the table, Joel Huiqui described the situation as "a war for the positions" as multiple historic clubs fight for supremacy and favorable seeding ahead of the Liguilla. The standings currently position Cruz Azul first with 32 points, followed by América in second with 30 points, and Guadalajara in third with 30 points.

The regular season will culminate in a high-stakes showdown when Cruz Azul visits Guadalajara at the Estadio Akron. A victory or a draw for the visiting side, combined with specific results involving América's match against Tigres, will determine the ultimate regular-season champion.

As the tournament reaches its climax, the fight for playoff qualification remains fierce across the table. Teams such as Toluca, Atlas, Santos, León, and Pachuca round out the current playoff picture, but the final weekend promises decisive adjustments before the championship bracket is officially locked.