Dark clouds loom over Cruz Azul after Luka Jovic snub and 7-0 humiliation
Following the crushing Leagues Cup defeat to Seattle Sounders, Cruz Azul missed out on long-time target Luka Jovic, who moved to Greece.
Cruz Azul is facing an uncertain future — without a proven striker to bolster the squad and coming off a humiliating showing in the Leagues Cup.
Luka Jovic snubs Cruz Azul
Not long ago, things looked very different. Before the tournament began, La Máquina seemed poised to contend for the 2025 Apertura title. Fans were buzzing over reports that Serbian forward Luka Jovic was on his way to Mexico City. Now, none of that is certain. Jovic never joined Cruz Azul — or the other club he was linked to, Spain’s Real Oviedo — instead opting to sign with AEK Athens.
Cruz Azul’s Seattle Sounders humiliation
Then came the disaster. In the Leagues Cup, the Seattle Sounders handed Cruz Azul a crushing 7-0 defeat — the kind of scoreline that makes headlines around the world and leaves a team reeling. “Hurt, embarrassed, angry — it was an accident,” midfielder Erik Lira said, describing the mood in the locker room.
Transfer insider César Luis Merlo has reported that Cruz Azul still hasn’t decided whether to bring in a true No. 9 before the transfer window closes — a position the club has struggled to get right for years.
La Máquina’s attacking dilemma
Recent forward signings — Gabriel “Toro” Fernández, Mateusz Bogusz and Giorgos Giakoumakis — have yet to deliver the firepower fans expected, highlighting a clear miss in the front office’s talent scouting. At 34, veteran striker Ángel Sepúlveda remains one of the few reliable options in attack.
Cruz Azul now needs a near-miracle to reach the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Up next is Colorado, another side still in contention. The Apertura resumes Monday, August 11, with Atlético San Luis visiting the Estadio Azteca.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.