Cruz Azul will face Atlas on Saturday, May 9, in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 Liga MX quarterfinals at the Estadio Azteca, carrying a 3-2 lead from the first meeting in Guadalajara. Joel Huiqui’s side can reach the semifinals with a win, a draw of any score, or even a one-goal loss.
The projected starting lineup has Kevin Mier in goal, Jorge Rodarte at right back, Willer Ditta and Gonzalo Piovi in central defense and Omar Campos on the left. Rodarte has played 11 matches this season, while Piovi goes into the return leg under heavy criticism from Cruz Azul fans for his Clausura 2026 performances.
That makes the return match about more than protecting a lead. Cruz Azul left Estadio Jalisco with a narrow advantage after the 3-2 first leg, but the margin also gives Huiqui room to manage the game without forcing his team into a chase. Atlas, by contrast, needs a stronger result at the Azteca to keep its season alive.
The lineup picture also points to where the pressure sits. Rodarte’s limited season workload suggests a coach leaning on a player who has not been a constant starter, while Piovi’s selection would put one of the squad’s most scrutinized defenders back in the spotlight. If Cruz Azul holds its edge, it moves on. If it slips, the criticism around the back line will only grow louder.
