Gabriel Fernández struck in the 87th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw for Cruz Azul against Mazatlán FC on Friday night at Estadio El Encanto.
The late equalizer secures a crucial point for Cruz Azul, bringing the club to 27 points in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 campaign. The result ties them for first place with Chivas, though Chivas retains the official top spot based on a superior goal difference.
The match marked the return of Colombian goalkeeper Kevin Mier to the Cruz Azul starting lineup. Mier had been out of action for 132 days following a fractured fibula sustained against Pumas UNAM on November 8, 2025. He recorded several critical saves in the first half to keep the visitors level.
Mazatlán broke the deadlock early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Josué Ovalle headed in a rebound following a deflected shot by teammate Dudu. Playing under manager Sergio Bueno, the hosts maintained a disciplined defensive setup that frustrated the title contenders for the majority of the night.
In response to the deficit, Cruz Azul manager Nicolás Larcamón rotated his squad and pushed a hyper-offensive formation. The sustained pressure finally broke through when Fernández launched a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty box to tie the game.
The hard-fought performance carries heavy weight for Mazatlán. Multiple reports indicate the club is currently operating on a “farewell tour” amid a looming franchise relocation or dissolution in the top tier of Mexican sports. Securing a point against a top title contender adds a complex chapter to the team’s ongoing structural situation.