“Agustín Palavecino opens the scoring for Cruz Azul after sustained pressure, converting to make it 1-0 following blocked and missed efforts from teammates in the preceding minutes.”
Pivotal“Max Murray equalises for New York City right on the stroke of half-time to level at 1-1, stunning Cruz Azul after the hosts had dominated the first half.”
Pivotal“José Paradela, introduced just two minutes earlier as part of a triple substitution, restores Cruz Azul's lead with a decisive finish to make it 2-1 and ultimately win the match.”
Pivotal
Cruz Azul
New York City
Outstanding performance
Cruz Azul•AttackerCruz Azul controlled this Leagues Cup tie from start to finish, finishing with 59% possession, 20 shots to New York City's eight, and a dominant 74-41 dominance metric, yet they were made to work far harder than those numbers suggest. Agustín Palavecino broke the deadlock in the 35th minute following a sustained spell of pressure in and around the box, only for Max Murray to level immediately before the break in what proved to be a chaotic closing ten minutes of the first half — two yellow cards and two goals in under ten minutes. The second half was quieter by comparison, but Cruz Azul's triple substitution in the 76th minute injected fresh impetus, and José Paradela took full advantage just two minutes later to restore the lead and ultimately win the game. New York City's goalkeeper Matt Freese was kept busy, making four saves, but the NYCFC side — who managed just one dangerous big chance of their own — ultimately lacked the creativity to find a second equaliser despite a gutsy showing.
How entertaining was this match?
Cristian Jimenez comes on for Carlos Rodriguez.
Omar Antonio Campos Chagoya takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Omar Antonio Campos Chagoya takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Luka Romero takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Luka Romero is coming on for Agustin Palavecino.
Yellow card issued.
Luka Romero comes on for Agustin Palavecino.
Yellow card.
Shot by Jose Antonio Paradela with his right foot results in a goal.
assist: Carlos Rodríguez
Goal! The score is now 2-1.
Benie Adama Traore comes on for Jonathan Shore.
Luighi comes on for Talles Magno.
Nicolas Ibanez comes on for Gabriel Matias Fernandez Leites.
Miguel Angel Marquez Machado takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Gabriel Matias Fernandez Leites takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Agustin Palavecino takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Jonathan Shore takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Mitja Ilenic takes a shot with his right foot, but it's saved.
Mitja Ilenic comes on for Tayvon Gray.
Kevin O'Toole is substituted off for Nico Cavallo.
Malachi Jones is on, and Agustin Ojeda is off.
Gabriel Matias Fernandez Leites takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Gonzalo PioviYellow CardGonzalo Piovi receives a yellow card.
Jose Antonio Paradela takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Offside.
Yellow card.
Carlos Rodriguez takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Andres Perea takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
First half ends with the score at 1-1.
Max MurrayShot - Max Murray Head Shot Goal
assist: Nicolás Fernández Mercau
Carlos Rodriguez takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Goal! The score is now 1-1.
Yellow card issued.
Yellow card issued.
Agustin Palavecino scores with a left-footed shot.
assist: Érik Lira
Goal! Agustin Palavecino scores to make it 1-0.
Goal! Agustin Palavecino scores to make it 1-0.
Jesus Gilberto Orozco Chiquete takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Gabriel Matias Fernandez Leites takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Jose Antonio Paradela takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Gonzalo Piovi takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Agustin Palavecino takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Talles Magno takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Hannes Wolf takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Kick-off has begun!
Cruz Azul and New York City FC both arrive at Sports Illustrated Stadium on the back of opening-round wins, making this a fascinating Group Stage clash with knockout progression on the line. The Mexican giants are slight favorites, but NYCFC's 2-0 demolition of Santos Laguna signals they mean business on home turf. This first-ever official meeting between the clubs promises plenty of intrigue.
