- The last three home games between Cruz Azul and Mazatlan FC in Liga MX have produced two wins for the hosts.
- Cruz Azul will have the more talent in the squad on Sunday, but both teams will be desperate to set the tone for their season.
- Ignacio Rivero has scored 4 goals in his last 5 appearances in the league for Cruz Azul.
Home side will be keen to establish an early lead
Sunday’s Liga MX season opener sees 6th placed Cruz Azul hosting 9th placed Mazatlan, due to the goal difference tiebreaker, as both clubs come into the Liga MX 2025/2026 campaign with 0 points. The home team are the huge -322 favorites, with the Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC odds offering a +900 price on the visitors, who will look to spoil the party.
The two managers of these clubs are something of a contrast as Nicolas Larcamon’s appointment to Cruz Azul was made on 29th June 2025 and he has a reputation for structured, dynamic team play.
Victor Vucetich took charge on 7th May 2024 and is known for his pragmatic defensive organization and tactical adaptability. Our Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC preview takes a close look at how these coaching styles might influence Sunday's clash.
Head-to-head between these two clubs has been extremely even
These sides have played 6 Liga MX games, of which they have each won 2 and drawn 2. The most recent meeting saw Cruz Azul draw 1-1 at Mazatlan’s home in the 2024/2025 Liga MX campaign and the Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC prediction will again consider the contrast in style of play on Sunday.
Cruz Azul will need the experience and playmaking of Erik Lira in the center of the pitch to maintain flow and balance, whilst they will have the services of new signing Luka Jovic up front and should have more than enough firepower to start the season with a win according to the latest Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC prediction.
Ignacio Rivero has been their main attacking outlet, netting 4 goals in their last 5 matches for Cruz Azul, which contributed to a total of 11 goals in that period.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Benedetti will be a danger man for Mazatlan FC, as he can be the spark in a counterattack with 2 goals in the last 5 games.
Mazatlan FC will rely on Néstor Vidrio
We like the Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC betting tips for Cruz Azul to win this game with a clean sheet, as it is their home game and they are likely to have too much for a Mazatlan FC side who will be highly compact and try to catch their opponent on the break.
Backing the outright winner in this fixture will appeal to those looking for some value out of a dominant display from the Liga MX giants, as they can get the opening day victory under their belts at the first time of asking.
