Deportivo Toluca face a key match in Matchday 10 of the Apertura 2026 when they visit Cruz Azul this Saturday, aiming to end a five-game winless streak against their rivals. The match will be played at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City starting at 17:00 local time, with Ignacio Ambriz's side arriving as league leaders on 19 points.
The streak to overcome
In the last five head-to-head meetings, Cruz Azul have won two with three draws. Toluca's last victory in this fixture was some time ago, with the most recent encounter, the Campeón de Campeones on 26 July, ending in a 1-3 defeat. For this clash, the hosts will be without key players: goalkeeper Kevin Mier, midfielder Erik Lira and Jeremy Márquez are away on international duty.
Context and probable lineups
Toluca arrive following a surprising 2-3 home defeat to Santos Laguna last time out, a result that ended a run of four straight wins. Top scorer Federico Viñas, with four goals this season, was on the scoresheet in that match. Against Cruz Azul, the expected lineup features Luis García in goal; a defence of Diego Barbosa, Bruno Méndez, Federico Pereira and Brian García; Franco Romero and Nicolás Castro in midfield; and an attacking trio of Helinho, Jesús Angulo and Alexis Vega supporting striker Paulinho.
The team maintains its top spot in the standings, one point clear of Chivas, and will look to reaffirm their away strength. The match represents a key opportunity to consolidate their lead before the next league break.
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The match has been brought forward and will be played this Saturday, September 26th at 17:50 hours, according to the league's verified data. Manager Ignacio Ambriz will have full-back Erick López, who started the last defeat against Santos Laguna, available instead of Brian García. The league leader, with 19 points, will look to bounce back from its last result.
