Two of Mexican football’s biggest clubs meet this Wednesday in the first leg of the Clausura 2026 semifinals. The iconic Estadio Azteca, which will soon be handed over to FIFA for World Cup preparations, is set to host an unforgettable clash.
After thrilling quarterfinals that solidified the Liguilla as the pinnacle of Mexican football, these powerhouses face off at the majestic Azteca for the final time in league play before FIFA takes full control ahead of the World Cup.
Cruz Azul, a team that has moved between venues in recent years, welcomes Club Deportivo Guadalajara in a high-stakes semifinal that has the entire country on edge. With rich histories and strong current form, the series promises to deliver the same drama seen throughout the Liga MX playoffs.
How the Teams Arrive
Cruz Azul’s Consistency
La Máquina reaches its fifth consecutive semifinal, a testament to its long-term project, despite some controversial decisions along the way. However, the sky-blue faithful have not celebrated a Liga MX title since 2021, when Cruz Azul ended a 23-year domestic drought.
The club from La Noria will have Joel Huiqui on the bench. The Mexican, a product of the club’s youth system, was named interim coach just before the last matchday of the Clausura 2026 regular season, replacing Nicolas Larcamón. Since then, Huiqui has won three straight matches—including two in the quarterfinals against Atlas—and is poised to be named permanent head coach for the next tournament.
Chivas Flying High
El Rebaño Sagrado pulled off a thrilling two-goal comeback in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Tigres, despite missing five starters who were away with the Mexican national team for World Cup preparations, plus Daniel Aguirre, a key player for Gabriel Milito who also missed the match.
Milito, who emphasized that the absences are not a problem but a point of institutional pride, has instilled belief in his squad, which has spread to a massive fan base dreaming of the club’s 13th league title. After playing in Mexico City this Wednesday, Chivas will host the return leg next Sunday at Estadio Jalisco—their historic home—since their regular stadium is under FIFA’s control as a World Cup venue.
Only One Previous Meeting
Despite the greatness of both clubs—with 21 Mexican league titles between them—Chivas and Cruz Azul have faced each other only once in the semifinals: in the 1971–1972 season, the beginning of a dominant era for La Máquina that is still cherished by their fans, while Guadalajara was rebuilding after the glorious Campeonísimo period.
Cruz Azul’s dominance was evident in the second leg, after losing the first leg 0–1 at home in the Azteca. In a powerful and decisive performance, La Máquina beat Guadalajara 0–2 at the Jalisco. In the final, the sky-blue team defeated América 4–1 on aggregate.
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Football, Liga MX, Joel Huiqui, Gabriel Milito, Cruz Azul, Guadalajara, Mexico