# Liga MX Apertura 2026: Cruz Azul updates and preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261014-liga-mx-apertura-2026-tournament-developments > Updated: 2026-10-24T20:35:52.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 4. The Apertura 2026 tournament in Liga MX continues to evolve for Cruz Azul. While the club previously held a homecoming training session at Estadio Refundación in Ciudad Cooperativa Hidalgo to connect with the local community, recent reports indicate shifting dynamics within the squad. Ahead of a Matchday 12 fixture against FC Juárez at Estadio Banorte on October 17, Cruz Azul sits in seventh place with 17 points. Despite a high offensive output, the team has struggled with defensive stability, having conceded 21 goals in 11 matches. Technical director Joel Huiqui has acknowledged recent errors and may implement significant lineup changes, potentially involving the return of Amaury García or the rotation of players such as Erik Lira, Willer Ditta, or Gonzalo Piovico. FC Juárez enters that matchup at the bottom of the standings with four points. In preparation for their upcoming encounter with Querétaro, the squad recently returned to Estadio Refundación for another special training session. This event allowed players, including Andrés Gudiño, Kevin Mier, Gabriel Fernández, and Carlos Rotondi, to interact with fans and students from the Colegios Cruz Azul. Club President Víctor Velázquez Rangel and technical director Joel Huiqui were both present to observe the practice. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Cruz Azul returns to Ciudad Cooperativa Hidalgo for training Cruz Azul held a special training session at Estadio Refundación in Ciudad Cooperativa Hidalgo, allowing players to connect with fans and the local community before their match against Querétaro. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruz-azul-returns-to-ciudad-cooperativa-hidalgo-for-training ### 2026-10-18: Cruz Azul coach Joel Huiqui eyes championship after 5-0 win Following a 5-0 victory over FC Juárez, Cruz Azul coach Joel Huiqui expressed confidence in pursuing a bicampeonato and emphasized squad depth ahead of their upcoming match against Pachuca. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruz-azul-prepares-for-pachuca-clash-following-5-0-win-over-jurez ### 2026-10-16: Cruz Azul defeats FC Juárez 5-0 in Liga MX Cruz Azul defeated FC Juárez 5-0 in Liga MX Apertura 2026, breaking a three-game winless streak and climbing to fifth place in the standings. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruz-azul-prepares-for-liga-mx-match-against-fc-jurez ### 2026-10-14: Cruz Azul prepares to face FC Juárez in Liga MX Matchday 12 Cruz Azul faces FC Juárez in Matchday 12 of Liga MX's Apertura 2026. Cruz Azul seeks to fix defensive issues, while Juárez aims to escape the bottom of the standings. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruz-azul-coach-may-bench-key-players-for-fc-jurez-match --- Cite as: Liga MX Apertura 2026: Cruz Azul updates and preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261014-liga-mx-apertura-2026-tournament-developments