The Cruz Azul team faces the surprise of not having three of its key players for the match, one due to suspension and two due to injury. Despite the good news of Omar Campos' return, his reintegration will be handled with care, leaving the substitute role to the youth player Cristian Jiménez in the absence of the two starting center-backs during the 2025 Clausura Tournament.
Regarding Cruz Azul's lineup against León, the presence of Kevin Mier in goal is highlighted. The team will not have the complete squad, forcing major modifications to its starting eleven. Although it was mentioned that Vicente Sánchez worked with a full team during the week, modifications in the defensive area are necessary due to suspensions and injuries.
Upon arriving in León, the absence of Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Gabriel Fernández is confirmed. In defense, the players who would repeat are Rodolfo Rotondi, Chiquete Orozco, Erik Lira, and Jorge Sánchez, incorporating Jiménez into the back three, who will have an important opportunity. In midfield, the participation of Charly Rodríguez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Mateusz Bogusz, and Ignacio Rivero is expected, leaving the attacking responsibility to Ángel Sepúlveda, with Giorgos Giakoumakis as a substitute in the absence of Toro.
The match between Cruz Azul and León promises to be one of the most striking of the knockout round. Vicente Sánchez will spare no effort in his attempt to strike first. After a long wait, the Noria team prepares to face León in the first leg of the quarterfinals of Liga MX.
