Cruz Azul vence Puebla na abertura do Apertura

Cruz Azul started their Apertura campaign with a hard-fought win at the Estadio Azteca, overcoming a spirited Club Puebla side in a match that saw both teams create chances throughout. The home crowd provided strong backing from the opening whistle, setting an energetic tone for what proved to be a competitive contest between two sides eager to make an impression early in the season.

Club Puebla struck first when Felipe Monarrez found the net in the 28th minute, catching Cruz Azul cold and giving the visitors a deserved lead. The hosts responded with determination, and Luis Romero levelled matters just before the interval with a clinical finish in the 44th minute. Romero's celebration was tempered by a yellow card four minutes later as tempers began to fray, while Puebla's Néstor Ibáñez also picked up a caution before the break.

The second half saw Cruz Azul take control of proceedings, pressing higher and forcing Puebla into a more defensive shape. Óscar Ebere proved to be the difference maker when he restored Cruz Azul's lead in the 82nd minute, putting the home side within touching distance of victory. Puebla tried to salvage something from the game in the closing stages, but their efforts came too late despite Angel Ramirez, Felipe Monarrez and Emilio Mustre all receiving yellow cards in a frantic finale.

The 2-1 victory hands Cruz Azul an ideal start to their Apertura challenge and will provide confidence heading into their next fixture. For Club Puebla, the defeat stings despite a solid performance, but there remains plenty of football to be played and opportunities to bounce back in the coming weeks.