Liga MX Clausura: Cruz Azul Drop Points Following Anselmi Saga | OneFootball

Matchday three of the Clausura took place this weekend and there were an array of surprise results with only two teams holding onto a 100% record.

The major talking point around the league this week was Cruz Azul manager Martín Anselmi’s expected absence from their clash with Puebla, as he edges closer to a move to Porto. Meanwhile, all eyes were on James Rodríguez, who was set to make his first league start for León as they hosted Juárez.

Friday 24th January 2025

Necaxa followed up their dramatic comeback win over Chivas with a commanding display against San Luis. The visitors went into half-time with a 2-0 lead, thanks to Diber Cambindo’s second goal of the season and a strike from José Paradela. Cambindo completed his brace in the second half, capping off a fantastic result for Nicolás Larcamón’s side.

Toluca became the latest Apertura Liguilla qualifier to stumble this weekend, suffering their first defeat under Antonio Mohamed. Luís Amarilla's 76th-minute strike proved to be the difference, despite both sides finding the net just 60 seconds apart early in the first half.

Mazatlan FC v Toluca - Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX | Sergio Mejia/GettyImages

Tijuana got their first win of the season despite falling behind to a Querétaro side that played with ten men for 80 minutes. José Canale saw red early on, but Los Gallos still managed to take the lead at the half-hour mark through Adonis Preciado. Unai Bilbao spared Los Xolos' blushes before the break, bringing them level, and within ten minutes of the second half, Emmanuel Reynoso found the net—his second goal in as many games—to seal the victory for the home side.

Saturday 25th January 2025

Cruz Azul 1 vs 1 PueblaLeón 1 vs 0 FC JuárezChivas 1 vs 1 TigresSantos Laguna 1 vs 4 Club AméricaMonterrey 2 vs 3 Pachuca

All eyes were on the Estadio Universitario this weekend following the saga surrounding manager Martín Anselmi, who was absent due to an expected move to Porto. Nonetheless, Cruz Azul hosted Puebla and got off to a flyer when Lorenzo Faravelli low driven strike beat Miguel Jiménez to give the hosts the lead within 61 seconds. Despite their early lead, Puebla responded 15 minutes later as Emiliano Gomez scored his first goal of the Clausura. The spoils were shared as both sides remain in search of their first win of the season.

León fans showed up in their numbers to see new-signing James Rodríguez not only start but captain their side against Juárez. Those supporters were handed a moment to remember when the Colombian scored the only goal of the game, converting from the penalty spot to net the only goal of the game. The result means that they are one of two sides to have won their opening matches as Los Bravos suffer a defeat for the first time in five games, stretching back to October.

Veljko Paunović made his return to Estadio Akron for the first time since leaving Chivas, leading a Tigres side with a perfect record after two matches. Guadalajara struck first, with Teun Wilke capitalising on an opportunity to net his first goal for the club. However, Paunović’s men responded before the break, as Juan Brunetta’s strike brought them level—a lifeline that proved enough to see the points shared at full-time.

Club América made a statement with a commanding victory over Santos Laguna, putting four goals past their opponents as the reigning champions welcomed back several key players from their winter break. After missing the opening two fixtures, many of the stars who played a crucial role in lifting the Apertura trophy returned, having warmed up with a friendly against Inter Miami last week. However, André Jardine’s side was without Henry Martín, who sat out due to illness. On the pitch, Víctor Dasilva, Erick Sánchez, and a brace from Alex Zendejas secured the win before Anthony Lozano grabbed a late consolation for Fernando Ortiz’s side, who are still searching for their first points of the season.

Santos Laguna v America - Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX | Jam Media/GettyImages

The final game of the night saw Pachuca snatch all three points on their trip to Monterrey. All eyes were on Nelson Deossa, who faced his former club for the first time since joining Los Rayados earlier this month. The hosts took the lead through a Sergio Canales penalty, but a stunning strike from Oussama Idrissi brought the sides level by half-time. Salomón Rondón put Los Tuzos ahead on the hour mark, and a costly mistake from Esteban Andrade gifted them a two-goal cushion. Germán Berterame pulled one back to give Monterrey hope, but it wasn’t enough as Pachuca secured an impressive away win, becoming the second team to maintain a perfect start to the season.

Sunday 26th January 2025