Result: Cruz Azul beat Santos Laguna in dramatic fashion on matchday seven of the Apertura 2026

Cruz Azul appeared headed for another frustrating draw until José Paradela rescued the night in the 88th minute. The midfielder received the ball in the heart of the area, took one touch to set himself and fired past Carlos Acevedo, sending the crowd at Estadio Banorte into celebration and securing a 1-0 win over Santos Laguna in the seventh round of the Apertura 2026.

The Máquina controlled much of the match and pressed forward despite the early absences of Erik Lira and Alan Mozo. Agustín Palavecino, Luka Romero and Nico Ibáñez led the attack, repeatedly looking for openings from the wings and sending crosses into the area. But Cruz Azul again lacked precision near goal, allowing Santos to remain in the contest.

Santos followed a more cautious plan, sitting deep, winning the ball and looking for counterattacks. Kevin Palacios, Ezequiel Bullaude and Salvador Mariscal tried to create danger, though the Laguna side produced few clear chances against Kevin Mier. At the other end, Acevedo made several important saves and stood out as one of the match’s key performers.

Joel Huiqui’s second-half changes gave Cruz Azul’s attack a different look. Alan Mozo and Paradela entered, while Lira came on in the 79th minute and added control in midfield. Cruz Azul continued to attack down the flanks, but Ibáñez rarely received the ball in a comfortable position inside the area. Paradela’s late finish finally rewarded the pressure.

The three points give Cruz Azul a lift before its next match against América, while also leaving Huiqui with decisions to make. Mozo, Paradela and Lira could all press for more prominent roles from the start of the upcoming clásico.