Clash of coaching philosophies
Cruz Azul begin life under head coach Nicolas Larcamon, who was appointed on the 29th June 2025, with a game that serves as the perfect stage for our Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC prediction against a team that are set to adopt an entirely different approach to the upcoming season.
Larcamon is known as a coach who sets his teams up in a methodical manner, with an emphasis on structured build-up and high-intensity pressing in the final third. His players will be looking to Erik Lira to provide balance and control in the centre of the pitch.
Mazatlan FC have a pragmatic coach in Victor Vucetich, who organised his team to play a compact, counterattacking style of football.
They were solid at the back, with defensive leader Néstor Vidrio organizing their backline, especially against attacking teams.
Vucetich took charge of Mazatlan FC on the 7th May 2024.
An even head-to-head record
These two sides have met 6 times in Liga MX action with the head-to-head standing at 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats from each side. In this Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC preview of their most recent meeting in Liga MX 2024/2025, they drew 1-1 at Mazatlan’s home. Cruz Azul have won 2 of their last 3 home league games against Mazatlan FC and will be hoping to continue that trend on Sunday.
Ignacio Rivero can make the difference
Cruz Azul have made some exciting additions to their attacking options ahead of the Liga MX 2025-2026 season. New signing Luka Jovic will add to their goal threat, but it will be Ignacio Rivero who will be in the team’s line-up to make the most of their chances.
Rivero scored 4 goals across Cruz Azul’s last 5 games, helping them to 11 goals in total across that spell. This Cruz Azul vs Mazatlan FC prediction points to Rivero being a key player in this match.
Nicolas Benedetti is an exciting player, who is capable of the unexpected. He scored 2 goals over the same 5-game period and has a knack of popping up in the right place at the right time to spark a quick attack.
