Monterrey vs Cruz Azul match preview: date, venue & prediction

The next Monterrey match in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 sees them host Cruz Azul at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. The fixture is scheduled for 2026-09-20T01:10:00Z, with the status currently listed as Not Started. This Monterrey vs Cruz Azul preview looks at kick-off time, venue, standings, form, head to head and the latest prediction data.

Monterrey come into this Apertura - 9 clash sitting mid-pack, while Cruz Azul arrive in the upper reaches of the table and currently in a position linked to the play-offs. With Cruz Azul above Monterrey in the standings and both sides showing attacking potential, this is an important test for the hosts as fans look ahead to when Monterrey play next at home in the league.

Match details: date, kick-off & venue

Competition: Liga MX, Apertura - 9
Date / Kick-off: 2026-09-20T01:10:00Z
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Status: Not Started

Standings & form

In the Liga MX: Apertura 2026 standings, Monterrey are currently 12th with 10 points from 7 matches (3 wins, 1 draw, 3 defeats). They have scored 13 goals and conceded 10, for a goal difference of +3, and their recent form line reads DLLWW. At Estadio BBVA, Monterrey have played 4 league games, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 1, with 10 goals scored and 6 conceded. Away from home they have 1 win and 2 losses from 3 matches, scoring 3 and conceding 4.

Cruz Azul arrive in Monterrey sitting 4th in the same competition, with 15 points from 8 matches (5 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses). They have scored 16 and conceded 14, giving a goal difference of +2, and their form string is WWWLL. On their travels, Cruz Azul have taken 2 wins and 1 defeat from 3 away fixtures, scoring 7 times and conceding 5, while at home they have 3 wins and 2 losses from 5 matches (9 goals for, 9 against).

From the broader season statistics, Monterrey have kept 2 clean sheets so far and have failed to score twice. They have also converted 2 penalties from 2, a 100.00% success rate. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, have registered 1 clean sheet and have failed to score just once. From the spot, Cruz Azul have taken 3 penalties, scoring 1 and missing 2. Monterrey have mainly lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation (6 matches), with occasional use of 3-4-2-1, while Cruz Azul have shown tactical variety, using several systems including 4-2-3-1, 5-3-2, 5-4-1, 4-2-2-2 and 4-1-4-1.

Head-to-head

2026-03-18T03:00:00Z: Cruz Azul 1–1 Monterrey (CONCACAF Champions League)
2026-03-11T01:00:00Z: Monterrey 2–3 Cruz Azul (CONCACAF Champions League)
2026-03-01T01:05:00Z: Monterrey 0–2 Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
2025-10-26T03:05:00Z: Cruz Azul 2–0 Monterrey (Liga MX)
2025-03-09T01:05:00Z: Cruz Azul 1–1 Monterrey (Liga MX)
2024-07-14T03:10:00Z: Monterrey 0–4 Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
2024-05-20T00:00:00Z: Cruz Azul 1–2 Monterrey (Liga MX)
2024-05-17T03:00:00Z: Monterrey 0–1 Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
2024-04-07T03:05:00Z: Cruz Azul 2–1 Monterrey (Liga MX)
2023-08-28T02:05:00Z: Monterrey 1–2 Cruz Azul (Liga MX)

The recent head to head record shows several tight contests but a clear edge for Cruz Azul in terms of wins, including away victories at Estadio BBVA in Liga MX and a 3–2 success there in the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16. Monterrey have managed draws in Mexico City and in the continental competition, plus a 2–1 away win in 2024, but overall Cruz Azul have often come out on top in these fixtures.

Key players to watch

L. Ocampos (Monterrey) — 5 goals and 1 assist in Liga MX 2026, providing a major attacking threat from midfield.
D. Rossi (Monterrey) — 2 goals and 3 assists, an important creative outlet in the final third.
J. Márquez (Cruz Azul) — 3 goals and 1 assist from defence, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
N. Ibáñez (Cruz Azul) — 3 goals, a key attacking option for the visitors.
C. Rodríguez (Cruz Azul) — 5 assists, the leading creator for Cruz Azul so far this season.
J. Paradela (Cruz Azul) — 2 goals and 4 assists, adding both goals and creativity from midfield.
L. Romero (Cruz Azul) — 1 goal and 2 assists, another player capable of influencing the game in the final third.

Prediction

The data-driven Monterrey vs Cruz Azul prediction leans slightly towards the visitors avoiding defeat. The prediction model gives Monterrey a 10% chance of victory, with the draw at 45% and a Cruz Azul win also at 45%. The advice is a combo double chance: draw or Cruz Azul and +1.5 goals, indicating expectations of a competitive match with at least two goals and Cruz Azul favoured to take at least a point.