Puebla vs. Cruz Azul Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 November 2025

As we approach the pivotal 16th round of Liga MX, we’ve got an enticing clash on the horizon at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Puebla, currently languishing at the bottom of the table, will face off against title hopefuls Cruz Azul. Cruz Azul, riding high in third place with 32 points, come into this match as clear favorites with odds of 1.63 for an away win. Puebla, having struggled all season, need a miracle to turn their fortunes, especially with just 9 points to their name. Their recent form reflects a tough battle ahead as they hold an LWLWD record over their last five games, contrasted by Cruz Azul’s stronger LWDWW form.

Expect a lively encounter as both teams have been proficient in finding the net lately. Given Puebla’s leaky defense, especially between minutes 46-75, and Cruz Azul’s consistency, a couple of goals before halftime seems likely. Recommended bet: Cruz Azul +0.25 (AH). Keep an eye on the prolific Angel Sepulveda and Emiliano Gomez, who will be key players in this fixture.

This match-up is more than just a game; it’s a crucial chapter in the unfolding story of the Liga MX season!

Puebla vs Cruz Azul Prediction & Betting Tip

Cruz Azul head into this match as clear favorites, and the recommended betting tip is Cruz Azul +0.25 (AH). Several factors contribute to this choice:

• Recent Form: Puebla have only managed one win in their last five matches, recording an LWLWD form, whereas Cruz Azul have been more consistent with an LWDWW record.
• Defensive Struggles: Puebla have struggled defensively, conceding most goals between the 46-75 minute mark this season. In contrast, Cruz Azul concede an average of only 1.1 goals per match.
• Scoring Tendencies: Both teams have shown a strong tendency to score in recent matches. Puebla have scored in 80% of their games this season, hinting at potential goals in this fixture.

With these insights, expect an engaging match with early goals, further supporting the Cruz Azul +0.25 (AH) tip.

Puebla vs Cruz Azul Odds

For this enticing Liga MX showdown, the odds heavily favor Cruz Azul, reflecting the significant gap between the two teams in performance and league standings. Here’s a look at the current betting odds:

Cruz Azul sits third in the league with 32 points, making them the bookmakers’ favorite at 1.63 odds for an away victory. Meanwhile, Puebla, languishing at the bottom of the table with just 9 points, has much tougher odds at 4.67. A draw is priced at 3.88.

These odds indicate the heavy backing for Cruz Azul, especially considering Puebla’s recent form and defensively frail record. For those looking to place a bet, a Cruz Azul win or the recommended +0.25 (AH) bet seems the most realistic given their recent consistency and Puebla’s struggles.

Puebla Team Analysis

Puebla Recent Performance

Puebla’s recent performance has been far from inspiring, with their last five matches yielding one win, one draw, and three losses. Here’s a closer look at their last outings:

• FC Juárez 4 – 4 Puebla (2025-10-25)
• CF América 2 – 1 Puebla (2025-10-22)
• Puebla 4 – 3 Tijuana (2025-10-18)
• Querétaro FC 3 – 1 Puebla (2025-10-04)
• Puebla 0 – 2 CD Guadalajara (2025-09-27)

Despite struggles, Puebla have shown they can score, with an average of 2.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures. However, their defensive frailties have been evident as they have conceded multiple goals and failed to keep a single clean sheet during this period.

This inconsistency has seen them remain at the bottom of the table, and their defensive lapses, particularly between the 46th and 75th minute intervals, have been a significant issue. Their fight for survival continues as they look to turn the tide against fierce competition.

Puebla Key Players

For Puebla, all eyes will be on their top scorer Emiliano Gomez, who has netted 5 goals this season. He remains their primary threat upfront and will look to exploit any defensive lapses by Cruz Azul. Luis Gabriel Rey in midfield has also been crucial, often acting as the link between defense and attack, while Ricardo Marin will need to be sharp to convert any chances created.

Key individual battles will include Emiliano Gomez vs the solid defensive trio of Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, and Jesús Orozco from Cruz Azul. This battle could be decisive for the game’s outcome.

Expected lineup for Puebla:

• Goalkeeper: Jesús Iván Rodríguez
• Defenders: Álvaro De La Rosa, Eduardo Navarro, Jose Pachuca, Nicolás Díaz, Walter Portales
• Midfielders: Edgar Guerra, Luis Gabriel Rey, Alejandro Organista, Emiliano Gómez
• Forward: Ricardo Marín

Given their defensive struggles, these players will need to step up significantly to secure a positive result.

Puebla Suspensions & Injuries

Puebla’s squad is currently plagued with significant injuries that could impact their performance. Key players on the sidelines include:

• Fernando Aristeguieta: Out with a broken foot, with his return date still unknown.
• Lucas Cavallini: Suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, expected to be back by late March 2026.
• Juan Fedorco: Struggling with an ankle injury and is doubtful for the upcoming match.

These absences could hinder Puebla’s ability to perform at their best, especially with Cavallini and Fedorco being crucial components of their squad. The team will have to rely on less experienced players to fill these gaps, which might expose their already fragile defense and inconsistent attack. Such injuries have undoubtedly contributed to their recent struggles and low league standing.

Puebla Tactics and Formation

Puebla Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Ricardo Marín
• Midfield Quartet: Edgar Guerra, Luis Gabriel Rey, Alejandro Organista, Emiliano Gómez
• Defensive Issues: No clean sheets in their last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong offensive push in the final 15 minutes, having scored most of their goals between the 76th and 90th minutes this season.

In their last few matches, Puebla have employed a defensively robust 5-4-1 formation to try and curb their tendency to leak goals. Hernan Cristante’s side focuses on crowding the midfield and relying on swift counter-attacks, often through the creative play of Emiliano Gomez and the finishing prowess of Ricardo Marín. However, their defensive structure will be tested against Cruz Azul’s potent offense. Given their recent form and strategic adjustments, Puebla will need to be cautious yet opportunistic to exploit any weaknesses in their opponent’s defense.

Cruz Azul Team Analysis

Cruz Azul Recent Performance

Cruz Azul have demonstrated strong form in their recent matches, boasting a record of two wins, two draws, and one loss:

• Cruz Azul 2 – 0 Monterrey (2025-10-26)
• Necaxa 1 – 1 Cruz Azul (2025-10-22)
• Cruz Azul 2 – 1 CF América (2025-10-19)
• Tigres 1 – 1 Cruz Azul (2025-10-05)
• Tijuana 2 – 0 Cruz Azul (2025-09-29)

This recent run leaves them in third place with 32 points. Cruz Azul have managed to keep one clean sheet in their last five matches and have an average of 1.20 goals scored per game during this period. Their defensive solidity, conceding only 1.1 goals on average per match this season, has been key to maintaining their high league position. This solid performance underlies their favorites status going into this fixture against Puebla, as they aim to continue their push for the top of the table.

Cruz Azul Key Players

Cruz Azul’s key players will be crucial in this fixture as they look to cement their position near the top of the table. Top scorer Ángel Sepúlveda, with 7 goals this season, will spearhead the attack and look to exploit Puebla’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi, expected to play as the center forward, and José Antonio Paradela, featuring in the right attacking midfielder role, will provide the creative thrust needed for Cruz Azul to break down Puebla’s defense. Midfield general Lorenzo Faravelli will be essential in controlling the tempo and distributing play effectively.

Key individual battles to watch include Ángel Sepúlveda against the central defensive trio of Jose Pachuca, Eduardo Navarro, and Nicolás Díaz. This battle will significantly influence the match’s outcome.

Expected lineup for Cruz Azul:

• Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
• Defenders: Jesús Orozco, Willer Ditta, Carlos Rodriguez
• Midfielders: Jorge Sánchez, Ángel Jeremy Márquez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Erik Lira
• Forwards: José Antonio Paradela, Gabriel Fernandez, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi

Cruz Azul Suspensions & Injuries

Cruz Azul, while typically resilient, will not be at full strength for this encounter due to a few notable injuries:

• Andres Montano: Sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to return in late January 2026.
• Gonzalo Piovi: Recovering from a groin injury and is doubtful for this match.

These absences could affect Cruz Azul’s depth, but with a well-rounded squad, they are still poised to perform strongly. Key players like Ángel Sepúlveda and Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi will need to step up to ensure the team’s offensive and defensive structure remains intact. Given their depth, Cruz Azul should still be confident heading into the match against Puebla.

Cruz Azul Tactics and Formation

Cruz Azul Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Ángel Sepúlveda
• Midfield Quartet: Jorge Sánchez, Ángel Jeremy Márquez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Erik Lira
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in their last five games, with a strong back three led by Willer Ditta, Jesús Orozco, and Carlos Rodriguez.
• Notable Strategy: Efficient in maintaining defensive solidity while pushing forward, often creating scoring opportunities through quick transitions and utilizing their width effectively with wide midfielders contributing both offensively and defensively.

Under the guidance of Nicolás Larcamón, Cruz Azul has shown a balance of solid defense and tactical versatility. Their 3-4-3 formation allows for a dynamic approach, bolstering both their attacking and defensive capabilities. With a reliable midfield that includes Faravelli’s playmaking and Rotondi’s goalscoring up front, Cruz Azul will look to maintain their strategic approach to dominate possession and exploit Puebla’s defensive vulnerabilities. Expect a well-coordinated effort to control the game and seek an early advantage.

Puebla vs Cruz Azul Head-to-Head Statistics

Over the last five meetings, Cruz Azul have had the upper hand against Puebla, winning three out of the five clashes:

• Puebla vs Cruz Azul 1 – 1 (25 Jan 2025)
• Puebla vs Cruz Azul 1 – 2 (19 Oct 2024)
• Puebla vs Cruz Azul 0 – 1 (13 Apr 2024)
• Cruz Azul vs Puebla 1 – 2 (13 Nov 2023)
• Puebla vs Cruz Azul 1 – 3 (18 Feb 2023)

With recent results favoring Cruz Azul, they are statistically positioned as the stronger side in this fixture. They have not lost to Puebla in their last four away matches in Liga MX, underscoring their dominance. This track record will undoubtedly boost Cruz Azul’s confidence as they take the field against a Puebla side that has struggled for form and consistency this season.

Odds accurate as of 30/10/2025 03:05, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.