LIGA MX
Sebastián Jurado returns after 1,350 minutes to shine again for Cruz Azul
He reappeared as a starter after 15 games, and proved to everyone that he still has much to offer in a crucial win.
That’s the nature of soccer. Sometimes, when things seem bleak and hopeless, fate intervenes and provides a chance for redemption. This was the case for Sebastián Jurado of Cruz Azul, who rose to the occasion and played a vital role in securing the team’s first victory, 3-1, of the Clausura 2023 tournament against Puebla, ultimately easing the pressure on the struggling club.
Hailing from the port city of Veracruz, Jurado made a crucial save in the 19th minute of the match at the Cuauhtémoc stadium. Blocking a point-blank shot from Martín Barragán, he was able to preserve his team’s lead and inspire his side to a valuable win.
How things have changed. Since that fateful night on August 20, 2022, during the 10th matchday of the Apertura 2022 tournament, Sebastián Jurado had been forgotten by the Cruz Azul management team, accumulating 1,350 minutes of absence across 15 games. In all those games, Andrés Gudiño served as the second goalkeeper, while Jurado was relegated to the third position under Raúl Gutiérrez, who led the team to six victories over Gallos Blancos de Querétaro (2-1), Mazatlán (2-0), Pumas (1-2), León (2-1), and Chivas (2-1) in the regular tournament, as well as a win against León (1-0).
However, as they say, there is always an opportunity for revenge, and Jurado seized his chance during Cruz Azul’s recent 3-1 victory. The goalkeeper demonstrated the resilience and competitive spirit of a true athlete, earning him the chance to cover for Jesús Corona’s suspension from the last game against Toluca.
Jurado did not disappoint and proved himself to be a top performer, much like a skilled bullfighter at Plaza México. This game was not only a personal victory for Jurado, but also a significant milestone for Cruz Azul, marking their first win in the first eight games of the current Clausura 2023 competition. Despite still having two games left to play against Querétaro and Atlas, the team’s victory is a testament to their tenacity and perseverance.